For most Clarets, a trip to Ipswich Town’s ground is a tick, given that we haven’t played them since 1977. Indeed we haven’t played the Tractor Boys in the league since the 1975/76 season - in the days of Flynn, Waldron and James in the old first division. Apparently, apart from the league new boys such as Rushden, Kidderminster et al, we have visited every other club in the four divisions since last playing at Portman Road. This is an incredible statistic given our yo-yo years, but probably down to Ipswich’s consistency in the top divisions. Despite the Tuesday night drive, which was a real pain, this was a good time to play Ipswich given their poor form following relegation, the sacking of Burley and the lack of the influential Magilton. They still had a pretty good side out, though, with the likes of Matt Holland and Finidi George available.
The night was quite warm and the pitch in good condition, the latter not unexpected given Ipswich’s passing game, and this suited us. The premier league ground was however a little bit disappointing given the money spent on it, and the atmosphere quiet apart from the usual Claret away throng in full voice. About 600 of the faithful all present and correct, from what I could see. The away fans were stuffed in a corner of the ground in an OK position, but £23 for the privilege is a bit much. Portman Road is actually in the town itself, much like the Turf, and with a full working port, which is unusual for a football town these days. The Clarets were missing Uncle Stan - not through suspension this time, but left at home nursing a mouthful of ulcers. The team was unchanged from the weekend with the dishonorable exception of the bumble bee playing strip, which is a bit gruesome (particularly for an evening game).
The game started at a brisk pace, and, as seems to be the case at the moment, the Clarets lost an early sloppy goal in the first minute. Can we not get them to waken up properly when they amble out of the dressing room? A right-footed in-swinging free kick from the left wing, designed to hit the six-yard box at the near post, enticed Marlene out of his goal, and an unchallenged McGreal glanced a header into an unguarded net. This type of free kick from both wings tested the Clarets throughout the half, until the Claret defenders decided to begin to positively attack the ball. The Clarets responded almost immediately when a disputed corner by Glen Little was launched to the back post, where Arthur headed the ball powerfully into the opposite corner.
Some good passing movement followed, generally involving Blake, before Ipswich regained the lead with a disappointing goal on 15 minutes. A volley by Ambrose from wide on the wing, following an unchallenged throw-in, found its way across a startled Marlon into the corner of the net. Ipswich then took the initiative, mainly through Hreidarsson dominating the left wing where Westy was exposed on his own with no cover. It was end-to-end stuff, with Ian Moore as well as Blake prominent for the Clarets. Taylor missed a good chance to equalise, and Beresford made a great save from Clapham in a one-on-one situation. At half time, and despite the Clarets being behind, both teams received a well-deserved ovation.
The second half saw the introduction of Weller for Little, which gave West at least some protection, and solidified the midfield a bit. Ipswich’s passing game deteriorated, allowing the Clarets to attack constantly with both Blake and Briscoe going close with good chances. Davis headed just over from a great cross by West, but the pressure allowed Ipswich to counter-attack, where Counago missed a great chance to finish the game off. The supposed introduction of an ex B*****rd was greeted with the usual response from the great and good, but was mistaken I think in that this was actually Darren (and not Marcus) Bent. The ball would not go in however, and as time was running out the Hegos decided that an 89th minute exit was in order to get away before the rush. This was a mistake of monolithic proportions, as my senility cracked in early. The Clarets struck home for the equaliser just as we were leaving the ground. Dimi the Greek (replacing Moore) powering home a header from West’s cross as the keeper displayed his frightened rabbit expression. A thoroughly well-deserved equaliser.
All in all a good game between two passing sides, and a deserved draw for the Clarets against a very good team. The midfield still seems to me to be very weak defensively (exc Davis), which puts lots of pressure on Cox and Arthur, who both played well. Blake was in everything creative, but Glen seemed off colour and departed early with an injury. Onwards and upwards, then, to First Division safety.
Subs not used: Cook, Grant, Maylett.
Scorers: Ipswich: McGreal 2, Ambrose 16 / Burnley: Gnohere 6, Papadopoulos 90.
Attendance: 22,736.
Referee: Phil Joslin (Newark) - a good game, despite some crap linos for support.
Hego's man of the match: Blake.
An Evening with the Tractor Boys