Another game, another draw. The difference between this and so many of the others is that it will be seen as a good result by many, myself included. I’ll be honest, I’d given up hope of any result once I heard our line-up. Blackwell again chose to go with a side lacking in any pace and with a front two who’ve shown in recent weeks that they just don’t complement each other as a pairing.
I wasn’t at the game last night so here are the thoughts of someone who was. Sharpblades saw the game like this, the ratings below are also his.
Here are my views and ratings of last nights match. I arrived at about 5pm and headed straight for the pub for a few pints. I got chatting to some Ipswich supporters and they were gloating about how easy the match was going to be for them and 3 or 4 nil was on the cards.
I arrived at the stadium and when I saw the line up I was annoyed to say the least. I was crying out for Shelton as I know how slow the Ipswich defence are with De Vos and Naylor. How many chances is Billy going to get?
The match kicked off and after about 15 mins I said to my brother, this is going well and Ipswich looked poor. Michael Tonge was running the show in midfield and Speed was closing down and doing the easy things well. Kilgallon and Morgan were keeping Lee and Counago quiet, Naysmith was his erratic self, no control and hoofing the ball into the stands needlessly.
Tonge then danced around their left back and put in a sublime ball which decieved Bywater and Beattie was on hand to head the ball into the empty net, Wild celebrations erupted in the away end. Ipswich as always, were getting all the decisions and into the second half nothind changed. Haynes then got down the right as usual Naysmith proved easy pickings for him, put in a great cross and Lee got above Morgan and sent his header past Kenny.
1-1 it was not deserved as I thought Blades were the better side. The match drew to a close and in the last minute Beattie got onto a loose back pass and as he drew the ball away from Bywater he was pulled down but as usual at Portman Road the referee bottled it and 1-1 was as it finished.
Player Ratings
Kenny 6
Does not command his area and makes the defence nervous.
Naysmith 4
Shocking performance and £1 million for a defender who lacks composure and struggles with most wingers.
Geary 6
His usual tireless self but lacks composure and skill.
Morgan 7
Strong game for Morgs but let Lee score for the header.
Kilgallon 8
Player of the season and had Counago in his pocket for entire 90 mins.
Cotterill 7
Great first half, gave Harding a torrid 45 mins, not great second half. He is better than Martin.
Armstrong 5
Poor game, his passing was sloppy and like Naysmith made the right side easy picking for Ipswich.
Speed 7
His best game for the Blades and won the midfield battle.
Tonge 8
MOM – a great performance, showed composure and ran at Ipswich, giving them a lot of trouble. Great play for the goal and also hit the bar with a cracking 25 yarder.
Sharp 5
Offers nothing but work rate, runs around like a headless chicken, creates nothing and no chances as always. Loan him out immediately Blackwell.
Beattie 8
Heart, Desire and passion from Beattie worked his balls off and deserved his goal. With the right service and strike partner he could be awesome in this league.