For twenty-five minutes this evening it was hard to call who was going to triumph. Ipswich had come to have a go and they matched us stride for stride, tackle for tackle. Both sides where probing their way forward but without any success. Then a ball over the top released Conor Washington who carried it into the Town box and fired across Walton in the visitors goal. Walton looked to have saved the shot but the rebound came out further than it looked at first from the Curbs Stand and charging in was Jayden Stockley who picked his spot and rammed home his low shot.
After that you could see the confidence start to drain from the white shirts. Ever so slowly we began to take control of the midfield and by half-time our backline had space and time to intercept everything Ipswich tried.
It didn't get any better for Ipswich after half-time as our midfield began exert pressure and create chances. Walton proceeded to make five good saves thwarting Washington twice, Stockley, Lee and Gilbey, during which time Ipswich became increasing frustrated at their inability to find a way through our defensive formation. Their fans had long since stopped singing and were beginning to show their frustration too that their side were so impotent.
As the clock ticked down you worried that we would somehow contrive to offer a draw but that never looked remotely likely and with a couple of minutes of full-time left, we finally opened them up for 2-0. A fine pass and move break ended with Gilbey being played in and he stayed upright and sped in to beat Walton and end the contest. That was the signal for 3000 Town fans to evacuate the Jimmy Seed Strand. The home fans were in great voice for the last half hour in particular and the ground was bouncing at the finish.
Johnnie Jackson has really got his formation working and this side are full of confidence. For me, this was the best performance of the season so far, eclipsing the Plymouth game. Ably assisted by Jayesimi and Purrington, Famewo, Pearce and Clare were in total control at the back. Bonne and Piggott (when he came on) saw so little of the ball they were unable to threaten. Dobson was outstanding in front of them and broke everything up. He was my man-of-the-match and allowed Gilbey and Lee to push through the middle to keep Washington and Stockley stretching the Ipswich backline.
The win moves us to 14th but within a win of 10th and ten points off the play-offs. Cambridge United scored five at Cheltenham Town tonight and will come full of confidence on Saturday. However, if we get anywhere near close to this evening's performance, their fans will also be making an early exit. I will finish with a word for Christopher Sarginson who put in an excellent refereeing performance.
Bring on the U's.
Good shout on the ref Dave. We're all quick to slate them and say they're all rubbish in the lower leagues.
ReplyDeleteHe got it spot on in not giving yellows unnecessarily and only when needed or deserved, like Pearce's for example!
No idea how old he is but one to keep an eye on perhaps.
It's great to be really enjoying the football again isn't it? The performance on the pitch, the fans togetherness and the atmosphere. It all makes such a difference.
Long may it continue!!