Birmingham preview

There was nothing dire about Town today, it was utterly thrilling from two sides throwing everything at it.

 

Hull defeat and arguably this one-sided draw against Birmingham aside, we have been unfortunate in some games (Rotherham, Norwich, and Brentford second half spring immediately to mind). But when there is a recurring pattern of us not taking chances and killing games off, that is a massive red flag for a team in for a season of struggle.

 

Throwing away a 2-0 lead at half time is dire in my book.

 

It would be. Your book is ****ed up Westy.

 

Seriously pal, what is your problem?

 

Nuggets, San Diego - we are not a million miles away, but I think a couple of bad team selections are probably hurting us quite a lot. Gerks is not our best 'keeper and with the two defensive midfielders, Graham and Ward we have too many passengers in the side. Nothing at all happened down Town's attacking left today, which for a formation with wingers is really not on.

 

You didn't even see the game and you're calling it dire, when it was anything but.

 

Except the aimless hoofs forward, inability to find a team mate with a pass and constantly returning possession in the first half and a useless Grant Ward wasting a place in the team we were brilliant!

 

Yep, left side is a weakness both in attack and defending

 

Look, the game can have been whatever it was - exciting, dramatic, end to end, whatever.

However, as an Ipswich fan - we're 2-0 up half time, winless, and we've not won the game.

So in my opinion, we've had a dire second half and unfortunately not got the win.

 

Well, it wasn't dire. Birmingham were absolutely excellent, had an aggressive attacking formation and threw everything at it. Our boys gave everything to stop a third. I'm not even particularly disappointed, apart from for the table and for Hurst and the players getting fans off their backs. In terms of the game it was a terrific effort today. If we play like that week in, week out and just have a little more composure at times we will climb the table.

 

I haven't said the performance was dire, for either us or Birmingham.

I'm on about the score half time, and what transpired the second half!

Well you're right there, up from 23 to 22 climbing!

 

Before this fixture you said that we need 4 points from this game and Middlesbrough. I thought a point from the two games would be a decent return. I'm confident we can get results from some of the easier-on-paper fixtures in October.

 

Jumping the gun before Westy’s traditional pre-match preview post, but I’d take a draw against Middlesbrough. Can’t see us winning, given their form, but who knows in this division.

 

It will be a different type of game.

These players have not played many minutes together so every time they play a match and it's a different scenario they are going to get stronger as a side.

 

I'll do one now sod it.

 

On the train home, result frustrating but performance pleasing, will write a more in depth thoughts if I get a seat/when I get home.

It's a point away from home, got to be seen as progress, however small.

 

Fair play for going and well done to Brum for £20 tickets. Good work.

 

I too will look on the bright side. Remember that Brum had put Leeds to the sword the week before.
It is a fascinating league this year, and with renewed confidence, the odd change - for me Bart & Donacien must come back - we are not a million miles off the pace. I would also leave old Skusey out for once too, and give a young'un their head; those bench-sitters under 25 must be raring to go.

It was certainly entertaining to listen to, and Mick Mills was impressed. But, yes, we do need that elusive win.

Lets all hope Tuesday is the one.

 

I have a seat!

Birmingham were excellent when on top, particularly at the start of the game and the majority of the second half. They trapped us in our half and shut down most breaks. The second half we just couldn't get the ball on the floor. As is usual in those situations it feels like all the 50 50 decisions go against us.

However when we were on top, which I felt was the majority of the first half, particularly after we scored, we were very good. Confident in defence and looked lively going forward. We dropped off a bit as the half came to a close but Birmingham looked like they were out of ideas.

Monk earnt his wages at half time, made a change and once again Birmingham started on the front foot. The goal wasn't a surprise. Didn't look to affect us too much - we attacked straight away and for a brief moment it looked like the half would follow the same pattern as the first, we were getting back on the ball a little bit, but as the half got deeper nerves seeped in to our play, Birmingham capitalised and we were fortunate not to concede a third.

Positives - when we're on top we play well and threaten, it's play that's much more enjoyable to watch.

Goals are being scored when we are on top. Being on top gives the defence confidence too.

Negatives - subs too late Gerken has no command of crosses, we look fragile when teams can keep us off the ball.

Have to stop there, train back at station