Ipswich 0 United 0 - report

[Deadbat_DB]

Brief view from the sofa again….


Recap –

That was a game that you felt we had to win if we are serious about the top 6. As it transpired we only got a point. It is not enough at this stage especially considering the opposition who were dire. The game was awful throughout. First half was quite even but not many chances at all. They had a few and we had a few. Second half it was all us really and we stepped up. We never looked like losing at all but sadly could not do enough in the final third and other than a chance for Sharp where he got crowded out after lobbing the keeper and then for Lundstram that he squared to Evans instead of shooting; we only had one really good effort on goal all game; a Wilson shot that hit the post. We got into the final third time and time again but wasted it time and time again. We simply looked clueless when we got there and either overplayed, passed it straight to them or dithered. It was annoying as to paraphrase Wilder from tee to green we were fine to good and especially second half completely controlled the game with and without the ball. It is an odd one as on the surface a point at Ipswich is not the worst result but when you saw how the game went and how poor they were; it is a game we had to win really.

Ipswich looked a sorry team that just tossed the ball back to us when they had it. Sadly, for all our domination, Blackman had more saves than their keeper all game – not sure their lad had more than a few routine ones to make whereas Blackman had to push two away – you would expect him to save them. In general play they were abysmal but sadly if you do not do enough and create enough; then you do not deserve to win. We could still be playing midnight tonight and I do not think we would score. We put Brooks on and Donaldson but they did not really make much of an impact. Wilson hit the post but did not do much else right either. We do lack quality options at that end of the pitch when you look at other teams nearer the top. The rest of the team were workmanlike and were good at getting it back. No one was terrible and Fleck was superb; the best player on the pitch but we just did not quite have enough quality or even bravery to get more men forward and ensure we got the goal we needed.

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Report –

The game started with Evans and Lundstram in for Donaldson and the injured Duffy and we began really well on an awful pitch with the ball bobbling around all over the place. We were on top first 5-10 minutes and Evans played in Baldock for a shot that was saved fairly comfortably. Evans then won a foul for a push but Lundstram’s effort was saved again quite easily despite him beating the wall. Ipswich came back into it as Stearman had an awful spell turning into trouble and then bringing down his man and getting booked as he broke away. He then made another error soon after. Ipswich had a header at the far post that was saved by Blackman as Stevens and O’Connell were sleeping. It became quite even after this. Fleck had a shot saved quite easily and then Fleck did well again and played Evans in but he was blocked at the near post. Ipswich then had a mini spell of play but did not create much before Fleck again played a lovely ball and Sharp got to it before the keeper and knocked it over the keeper as it bounced awkwardly but a few defenders got back and one did enough to hold him off; Sharp appealed for a penalty but it looked like Sharp went down quite theatrically and it was right not to give off. Fleck continued too control things and created another half chance for Sharp that saw him penalised for handball. Ipswich finished half with a corner that Blackman tipped away and then they had their best effort, a curling shot from Celina not far wide.

After the break, United seemed to play 5 yards higher up the field in every area and began to dominate. We had all of the ball and Evans and Lundstram were more involved – the latter got through and after a lucky bounce was in one on one but oddly squared across to Evans and it was a bit behind him and under pressure he fell. This looked a better appeal for a penalty than Sharp’s but not sure this was a good enough award either and the ball was cleared. Lundstram has to go for goal there. We were in control now and Stevens and Baldock were pushing on. Stevens had a cross fizzed across the box and then Baldock had a great run and chipped cross that saw us have a shot blocked at the far post. We had all the ball and Ipswich were just tossing the ball away. The home crowd were now really restless. They made changes but it did not change the flow of the game. It was all United but sadly we could not really create any clear chances despite having all of the ball and pressing them back. They had most of their team behind the ball which was odd for a home team. Wilson came on for the tiring Evans but he looked half asleep as he lost it twice in close succession. However, he then had a great shot that bounced off the post and Sharp hit the rebound over from a half volley – it was a tricky chance for the rebound but he had more time really. The Wilson effort was very unlucky. Ipswich were not looking like doing anything and it was either going to be a draw or a 1-0 United win but the final balls continued to be wasteful. Brooks came on but the pitch did not suit him and bobbled off him a few times. We had so many chances to get a good final ball in but Stevens overplayed and then Fleck. Brooks had one good run but he squared to no one. Donaldson came on as we tried to get the win but could not get a really good chance in after the Wilson shot. Ipswich barely had an attack of significance and they would have been delighted with a point – which they got when the final whistle came.

Ipswich – We have beaten them twice. It should have been three. They looked dire. How they are mid table I am not sure? They did not really look like scoring, created little, were poor on the ball and they just lumped it most of the second half. They put on Garner and tried to unsettle us with the more direct stuff but they never really threatened despite a few corners. As much as we can be critical of United; we are only a few places above them but look a much better team with better players. Sadly, if we do not score or are more clinical in the final third; then it matters little. Their fans seemed thoroughly fed up and you could see why as the team looked even more clueless than us. They looked like we did in the final third; for the whole pitch. They will do well to remain in the top half and I do not see many stand out players either. They have an odd mix of young and quite old but like us need a lot of investment to be anywhere near promotion but we have more assets in the likes of O’Connell, Fleck, Duffy, Brooks etc than they do.

It was a game that as it went on you sensed Ipswich were there for the taking. They looked a side devoid of confidence, the crowd were on the back and if we had scored even just one, that would have been enough

Opposition Man of the Match: Tough to call. Chambers and Webster at the back got some blocks in and I suppose they were the best of a bad bunch. Carter Vickers had a few slices but was not really tested and did ok I suppose but would not get in our side at the moment. No one else really stood out at all. They looked even slower than us with no pace or movement. Even Waghorn who is normally a threat was quiet. Connolly showed a few neat flicks and is a promising player (on loan).


Opposition Weak link: The lad Skuse was awful in midfield. Do not think he found a shirt all game and was chasing shadows in Fleck all game. Gleeson was not much better. Several others just tossed the ball away all game.

United – It was much better than Hull, probably better than Fulham (albeit they were very good) bit not as good as Reading. I felt Ipswich were as bad as Reading and there for the taking. We have not scored in 3 of the 4 last away games and that tells a big story. We can do well in lots of areas and control the ball but we are so wasteful or ponderous in the final third. We did not have much luck with the one that hit the post and a few others moments did not break for us but did we make the keeper do much all game? Sadly not.

First half we were way too stagnant and did not get many players forward to support the strikers but we did that more second half and Lundstram did and so did Fleck and the wing backs. We had so many good chances to get the ball into the box but failed or overplayed. I am not sure the strikers did enough either today and we looked a bit punchless and shot shy. Wilson was poor when he came on but then nearly won it with a great shot. A few players were mixed. Stearman had a shocking first half but got better. Stevens was good defending but poor going forward and the two midfielders, Lundstram and Evans were too slow to move it again but both improved second half. I felt Sharp was a threat and, on the shoulders, but got outmuscled a bit. Evans was not terrible but not really much of a threat. I felt he huffed and puffed but his touch and quality were not really there. He does not look fit or match fit and he has been here nearly 9 months now – granted had injuries. He was given a chance though and not sure he did any worse than Donaldson in the week but neither look good enough. Clarke has now had his rest (albeit enforced) and for all his critics – I was one of them as his form has dropped – he does provide that focal point and you would hope he would be back this week.

[Deadbat_DB]

The subs did not make much of an impact but all were forward thinking players. It was hard on a bobbly pitch and a stop start game for them to get into it – their subs struggled also. It was a just a dreadful game but one where a bit of quality and you win 1-0 in a professional away performance and just get out of there.

We could not do enough and ultimately now with Boro winning are the furthest we have been off the top 6 all season. Our last 4 albeit; all away has seen us win just one and lose 2; after we won those 2 home games you would have hoped for a better return but seem no closer too putting a run of 4 or 5 wins together that we need for a late push. Cardiff, Villa, Boro, Fulham have all done this since Xmas. We are too hit and miss. Today was a decent performance but after poor form in the games before; you felt we had to marry it up with a win. We now really have to come up with 4-6 points and really all 6 from the next two to keep in touch. Many of the top teams (Derby apart) do not seem to be letting up. The next week will determine if we are still in with a chance or if we have another poor week; then we will realistically start turning our thoughts to next season. I want us to have a real go in the next 2 games. If we do not do it then let’s not let it be because we have not really gone at teams. Today as well as played I am not sure if anyone was quite brave enough when it mattered. Teams serious about getting in the top 6 would have done enough to win that game.

Blackman 7/10 – He made two quite easy saves but did have to push them away – a header and a low shot. He did palm a corner away first half and then second half made a hash of one but at least got it away. He had one poor kick but other than that looked commanding and caught high balls and looked really safe. Established as the number one again.

Baldock 7/10 – First half he had one run and shot saved but then did not get forward as much. He was quieter until the hour mark when he started to bomb on and had one or two good runs. Put one lovely deep cross in. Energetic all game and defended sensibly.

Stevens 6.5/10 – Felt he was fine defensively and he did everything well. He got forward loads and kept advancing which was great to see. He got into so many brilliant positions but his final ball, save for one cross that whizzed in was really poor. He overplayed or hit the first man or turned in a circle and took too long. It is a shame as he does really do good things but then wastes it with a careless final ball.

Basham 7/10 – Steady game. He defended well and tried to bring it out when he could. Been really consistent in recent weeks. Does his job with no fuss at all.

O’Connell 7/10 – As above. He made a lot of good clearances and pulls and used the ball well. Not sure he was tested much at all today.

Stearman 6/10 – He had a mare first half at times as he got caught and then brought his man down. He then brought his man down again and got away with it with no foul given. He was sloppy throughout and looked really unsure. Second half he was much better and imposed himself more and cut out the errors. Did hoof it out a few times near the end for no reason.

Fleck 8/10 – Best player on the field by a long way. Got on the ball, showed neat footwork, ran at men, played some lovely balls on the floor and in the air. He drifted away from players, made time and just looked a class act. With more help around him, we would win the game.

Evans 6.5/10 – Mixed for me. Sure, I will get criticised for his mark but he did not see much of the ball throughout and when he did it was square and back a lot again. Second half he moved it forward a bit more and did win a few tackles and interceptions.

Lundstram 6.5/10 – As above; a mixed game. He helped us control the midfield second half and they all deserve credit for that but he did not create much and at times was most advanced of three. Had a floated free kick easily saved and then also had a great chance and chose to pass. Odd move. He was in on goal! After this he showed some neat flicks and helped us keep the ball but we did not create much of note so the midfield has to take some of the blame for that. All our clear chances came through Fleck. I cannot think of one good ball that cut them open or gave us a chance from other midfielders. Despite this we did have control of the ball – but as I say no good if we do nothing with it.

Sharp 6.5/10 – Tried his best but things did not come off for him. Held it up a few times but fell over and lost it a few. Had a great chance first half but opted to try and lob the keeper and then went down too easily. After this he tried to link with Evans but not sure it worked. Second half he was not really involved that much.

Evans 6/10 – Ball did not always stick but pitch not helping anyway. He did look awfully slow and sluggish but kept plugging away. Would not say he was poor but neither was he good – just distinctly average. He had one shot blocked on the angle and then had a chance when Lundstram crossed but did not look ready – probably did not expect the cross and it was a bit behind him. Not surprised when he went off as he looked very tired. He has not scored a goal in a year now. He sadly looks like he is a lower league striker at best – and I think the Evans we saw of 6 years ago is not going to suddenly reappear and certainly not at this level.

Subs:

Wilson – First 3 things he did saw him lose the ball or let his man get in front of him. He looked way off the pace and looked disinterested as he has in most other games I have seen. Then out of nothing he had a shot that looked destined for the corner but hit the post. He then had another un where he turned but over played the ball. Not convinced by him at all. Needs to work much harder and show he deserves to play at this level. He will be released by Man Utd in the summer and at the moment with Brighton and now with us; he has not shown he is good enough even for the Championship. At the moment he looks to me like he does not give a ****. Is it just me that thinks this?

Brooks – Bit of a languid cameo. He had a few runs and tried to go at them but got blocked out or crowded out of things. He then did not run back when he lost it. I would start him Tuesday. He needs time to get into games as it is hard as with the last two games to get used to the pace and be expected to make an impact.

Donaldson – Had one half chance but Stevens overplayed it (as he did most of the game). He will only be a bit part player I feel in the run in – I think Clarke, Sharp, Brooks and even Wilson will be ahead of him now.

Manager: Wilder 7/10 – It is an away point and a decent to good performance but we need to do more in the final third and we need to at least test the keeper. For all the domination on and off the ball; they saw us out quite easily. We did not give them anything really and looked the side most likely throughout but Wilder will be unhappy we did not win the game. It is the sort of game where if we do miss out; he will look back at games like this and Hull. Both should have been 6 points. I think he will have one final push with hopefully Clarke and Duffy back and Brooks more involved in the next 2 home games. We now have Burton, Forest and Barnsley. We have to be getting 7-9 points really. Then we would be set for big games v Cardiff and Boro at the Lane and Brentford away. If we do not take advantage of next three games; then these games will not matter. Wilder must be frustrated again that extra bit of quality or pace we need in the final third and could have had more wins and more points but sadly we cannot bring in the players that teams like Boro, Derby, Wolves and Villa have.

Officials – Nothing game really. Gleeson and Skuse were booked for two poor fouls when they caught Fleck I think both times late. Stearman’s was an easy yellow for the early pull back. Apart from this there was nothing of note for the ref to decide on. The Sharp and Evans ones were not enough for a penalty. The latter I would like to look at again but not sure either were strong enough.