| Match Report
Untitled Document
Town hold out for nervy win
Another fantastic win- this time it's Manchester city on the receiving end. But it's a nervy win, as Town hold out for a 3-2 victory.
Well, this is almost getting boring! Another win. Is any team ever going to match us again? Bring on Real Madrid. We'd teach them a thing or two. Anyway, back to the City game, and Burley's boys gained another impressive win at Maine road, with a 3-2 victory. The score line doesn't tell half the story though; as after storming into a 3 nil lead, the blues then let City get their hopes up by conceding two late goals. Town hung on until the final whistle, and had to reflect on a tight victory that should have comfortable stroll. But the win sees us up to an unprecedented 3rd in the Premiership, behind Man Utd and Arsenal.
George Burley made one change, as expected. John McGreal hadn't recovered from his thigh injury in time, and instead of bringing in Titus Bramble, George opted to play former England international John Scales. The former spurs player has waited patiently, and put in some good performances for the reserves, and few would begrudge him his chance.
City were more or less as expected, although Joe Royale went for a strike partnership of Goater and Dickov, while big money signing Paolo Wanchope had to be content with a place on the bench.
The game began and immediately Ipswich took control of the midfield. Magilton was looking much more effective than he did at Coventry, and was the centre of the early play. It only took eight minutes for Ipswich to break the deadlock. Clapham galloped down the left wing and whipped in a perfect cross for Marcus Stewart. Stewie only needed one invitation, and took his chance well, diving to nod the ball past Nicky Weaver. It was his eighth goal of the season, and the bang-in-form striker demonstrated him again how good he is at heading the ball. The move had left the City defence standing still, and put Town firmly in the driving seat.
After the goal Ipswich began to toy with City, and literally played them off their own park in an almost arrogant manner. It wasn't too long before we got a second. This time it was Herman Hreidarrson who used his head to steer the ball past Weaver. What was even more of a shock was the fact that we actually scored from a corner! It was a long over-due goal for the Icelandic international. He has been a rock in defence, and is also more than a bit useful in attack. He looks worth every penny of his £4.5 million price tag, and thoroughly deserved his goal.
The second half finished as it started, with Town dominating proceedings. Clapham, Jermaine Wright and Stewart all went close, while Richard Wright had little to do at the other end.
Half time: Manchester City 0, Ipswich 2.
Having obviously received a rollicking from Joe Royale at half time, City came out and looked more positive. Wright-Phillps began to cause the defence a few problems with probing runs, but they never created a clear-cut chance of any note.
After 52 minutes, the travelling blue army were in dream world. A long ball from Holland that looked to be aimed at Scowcroft, actually found an unmarked Marcus Stewart instead. Through on goal, Stewart coolly put Nicky Weaver on his backside before walking around him and tapping the ball in the back of the net. There was more than a suggestion of offside, but I'll reserve judgement until I've seen a replay!
Now at this stage, we should have been home and dry. We should have shut up shop, and enjoyed a relaxing end to the game, but poor defending meant it was an ‘entertaining' wait for the whistle.
Wanchope came on for Dickov, and scored after 71 minutes with a tremendous shot that Wrighty well beaten. The mood at Maine Road suddenly changed, as City's hopes were raised.
David Johnson, who had replaced Scowie, nearly scored a much wanted first goal, when he hit the post after being put through by Stewie. The chance would have finished City off, but we left hoping we would not rue the missed opportunity.
City bagged their second when Howey headed home a Kennedy free kick. Wilnis had conceded the needless free kick, and City took full advantage to put the frighteners on Ipswich.
The City crowd had now well and truly woken up, as they could see a famous comeback on the cards. They huffed and puffed, but resorted mainly to hit-and-hope long balls into the area. Stewart nearly grabbed his hat-trick, as he hit the bar, but this time the poacher was too high with his shot.
Final score: Manchester City 2, Ipswich 3.
Another cracking performance produced another good victory, but Burley will no doubt have a word with his team about the way they nearly threw it away. The table looks great- Manchester Utd, Arsenal, and Ipswich. The three best teams in England. At the moment anyway! I still can't quite believe it. Enjoy the moment; you don't know long it will last.
From The Terrace
|
Wanchope 
