Debutant right-back Ryan Fredericks's freak goal shortly before the break saw Millwall to a deserved 1-0 victory over the Blues at the Den. Town, who had midfielder Luke Hyam stretchered off early on, were second best for the most part and would have lost by a greater margin had former winger Lee Martin not spurned a 70th minute chance.

Skipper Carlos Edwards started on the right-side of a four-man midfield, making his first league start since the 3-1 home victory over Blackburn on December 3rd, as the Blues — wearing last season’s white and black away kit - switched back to 4-4-2 with Daryl Murphy back up front after recovering from his thigh injury.

Millwall, whose new manager Ian Holloway was in charge at the Den for the first time, included ex-Blues Liam Trotter and Martin from the start, while former loan keeper Stephen Bywater was on the bench.

Neither team had created anything before Hyam underwent lengthy treatment on the pitch for an injury to his right leg after an eighth-minute challenge with fellow former Northgate High School pupil Trotter.

The Town players quickly called on physio Matt Byard having kicked the ball out of play and the 22-year-old was eventually taken off on a stretcher with Jay Tabb replacing him and going to the left with Tunnicliffe switching to the centre.

Trotter curled a shot wide from 20 yards in the 16th minute with the home side having settled better after the delay for Hyam’s injury.

On 26, with Town still to really get going, an error by Cole Skuse in the centre circle allowed Martin a run in on goal but, having turned inside Tommy Smith and Christophe Berra, the midfielder’s low shot failed to test Gerken.

A minute later, McGoldrick scuffed the Blues’ first effort of the game through to Millwall keeper David Forde.

The Town top scorer created a better chance for his strike partner Murphy soon afterwards with a clever flick but the Irishman’s well-struck shot from the left of the area was too close to Forde.

Aaron Cresswell volleyed Edwards’s 34th minute cross into the ground with the Blues, by now having switched back to 4-3-3, finally starting to settle and get on top.

But, five minutes before the break, the home side went in front. Debutant full-back Ryan Fredericks, who signed on loan from Tottenham yesterday, sent in a deep cross from the right which somehow flew over keeper Gerken’s head, under the bar and into the net.

Town looked to hit back via McGoldrick but his effort was blocked by Lions skipper Danny Shittu. Before play could restart — and shortly before the fourth official signalled six additional minutes - Millwall keeper Forde was replaced by ex-Town loanee Stephen Bywater.

Edwards and Millwall’s Scott Malone got their names in the book for a clash after the Blues skipper had been fouled not far outside the area on the right, the Lions defender believing the Trinidadian had dived. The resultant freekick came to nothing.

The Blues were unable to get back on terms before referee Eddie Ilderton — who had frustrated the Town players on a number of occasions during the half — blew his whistle.

After the early injury to Hyam, Town took a long time to get going but had just started to get on top before Fredericks’s freak goal which Gerken will have been very disappointed to concede. Overall though, manager Mick McCarthy will have been disappointed with the display.

Martin nodded Smith’s goalbound header from Tunnicliffe’s corner off the line four minutes after the restart, then on 54 Shittu blocked from Murphy after good work from Skuse and Cresswell. From the corner, Tunnicliffe sent the ball well over.

On 57 Edwards crossed into Bywater’s arms with the Blues starting the half looking more of a threat than they had during most of the first, but with Millwall also still having their moments.

Paul Taylor replaced Edwards shortly after the hour mark, joining McGoldrick and Murphy in the front three. Then, with the home side again starting to dominate, Malone hit a powerful strike across the face of goal after a previous effort had deflected to him on the left.

Ex-Town winger Martin should have doubled his side’s lead in the 69th minute when Scott McDonald deftly flicked the ball in to his path inside the area. The one-time Manchester United man tricked his way past Chambers and into space 10 yards out and seemed destined to score but blazed wildly over.

It was a lucky escape for the Blues, who were by now pegged back in their half by the Lions, who were very much on top. On 73 sub Tabb made way for Frank Nouble.

Taylor curled a freekick just wide in the 76th minute, but Bywater wasn’t often being tested and Millwall were looking the more likely next scorers.

However, on 86 the Blues went close when Murphy sent Taylor away on the left after Fredericks had slipped. Bywater blocked the Town sub’s shot and Nouble just couldn’t get on to the rebound before it was cleared. Fredericks, Malone and the outstanding Shittu all received treatment for cramp in the aftermath.

Shortly before the end of scheduled time, Taylor was booked after shooting well wide in frustration having been penalised for a foul inside the area.

Soon after the fourth official’s board had gone up signalling four minutes of injury time, the Blues threatened from a corner. Bywater was nowhere as the ball came over from the right but it just wouldn’t fall kindly and Chambers amongst others was unable grab a late equaliser.

That was the final chance and referee Ilderton — who had continued to frustrate the Town players and fans throughout the second half — confirmed the Blues’ third defeat in a week.

Despite the fortunate nature of the goal, the home side deserved their victory and the second goal that Martin should have scored wouldn’t have flattered them.

Having taken a long time to get going following Hyam’s early injury, the Blues had a brief spell on top prior to the goal and threatened in the period just after the break, but were rarely in control and all too often hit long balls forward which were easy for Shittu to deal with.

The result sees the Blues drop to 10th place in the Championship, five points behind next week’s opponents Reading — who beat Bolton 7-1 today — in sixth.

Millwall: Forde (Bywater 44), Fredericks, Shittu (c), Lowry, Malone, Trotter (Abdou 69), Bailey (Wright 61), Martin, Keogh, Morison, McDonald. Unused: Beevers, Woolford, Feeney, Marquis.

Town: Gerken, Chambers, Smith, Berra, Cresswell, Edwards (c) (Taylor 62), Hyam (Tabb 13 (Nouble 73)), Skuse, Tunnicliffe, Murphy, McGoldrick. Unused: Loach, Mings, Hunt, Anderson. Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne and Wear). Att: 12,125 (Town: 1,398).

Photo: Action Images

Akaroablue added 00:57 - Jan 19 I meant 'loyalty can kill off a Manager' and they eventually lose there job.
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mrmorisato added 01:11 - Jan 19 As much as I'm disappointed with the result and regardless of the feel good factor over the festive period people need to remember that this is the Championship. An unpredictable, topsy turvy upside down division to be in, I would have thought that the team would have been fired up to give a good footballing display after the galling result in mid week, Not to be. I've never looked forward to our visit to the New Den because we don't have a good record there today, McCarthy switched the formation and subsequently the tactics at least twice from a 4 3 3 then to a 4 4 2 then to what sounded like a 4 2 4 when all four strikers were on the field late on none made a break through. I don't like to be down beat because I tend to look forward at the bigger picture, which is encouraging although there must be some tough decisions needed to be made in the summer regarding player contracts. I can't help but feel that the club are going to need to sell before they can buy as Town are trying to reduce their losses (down to £10M from a loss of £16M in 2012). Its been hard to see £1m(plus) valued players leave for nothing over the last 3 or 4 seasons which has contributed to our financial burden, its looking like the club may need to sell the likes of Cressy and Dids to strengthen the squad all round for us to mount a serious promotion challenge. I just think that Marcus Evans should adopt a more sensible business approach to trying to turn a profit when dealing in the transfer market it would be healthier for the balance sheet in the longer run. Its obvious that we need a couple of creative box to box midfielders, lets hope we can get 3 points against reading next saturday as we need them to keep us in touch with the top six. I do hope Hewitt will be reintroduced to the 1st team sooner than later as we are a stronger defensive unit when smith and chambers have played together especially the tally of clean sheets like we had last season.

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warktheline added 09:27 - Jan 19 Mr self righteous .....you know who you are,what has fans opinions got to do with sorting our club out?Was it your views that stopped our hammerings to the likes of Blackpool and peter'boro?was it you who took the club's debt on?Why don't you give Marcus a call and spill your guts to him,I'm sure you'll point him in the right direction.No doubt your a high flyer in the city on about £400k a year.he he

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Pip50 added 09:45 - Jan 19 The simple facts are Keane and Jewell had win ratios of 35%. MM has 38% but for this season it's 29%. Stating the obvious until Marcus invests irrespective of FP rules we will be going nowhere either under this dinosaur or the next one!
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warktheline added 09:53 - Jan 19 Pip50,anyone can massage stats.Whats our lose ratio under all 3 managers?
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Pip50 added 10:00 - Jan 19 Warktheline 35% it's on a wiki site.
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Pip50 added 10:11 - Jan 19 Apologies that's the win ratio across all three. The point is what ever stat you throw out possession passes to own players money spent it isn't good reading
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ChrisFelix added 10:22 - Jan 19 Maybe our top 6 position on new years day was too good to be true. We have a good experienced manager but need to improve the goalkeeping position & find a ball creating midfielder. Its very well saying we need to spend but the two previous managers wasted millions. It will come right but probably next year when Hewitt Ming & maybe Marriot are introduced properly into the team

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warktheline added 10:29 - Jan 19 Mick's lose ratio can't be bad.What calibre of manager do people expect ipswich to attract.You won't find another manager that will get anymore out of the players we have.Look at the improvement in Smith,chambers and Murphy under Mick.We have an honest bunch of lads,no more.
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Pip50 added 10:47 - Jan 19 I don't like MM's playing style, tactics or lack off, old boy network etc and you have a point. Mine is money money money it's a rich mans world sorry for lapsing into Abba!!
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WaffleMan added 11:16 - Jan 19 Ebanks-Blake back, hewitt RB, new creative midfielder, Chambers back at CB, new GK, MM learns what the best tactics are for games and stop being negative on the pitch, at the moment it is simply not good enough.
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TimmyH added 11:25 - Jan 19 Agreed Mick has done a fairly good job defensively with the players, not sure he has improved Chambers (as he was a fairly good player before he came here) and Cresswell was good under PJ. Let's just put it this way Mick's strengths are that side of the game but unfortunately when it comes to attractive creative football from Midfield upwards he's found wanting. What annoys me he very rarely wants to take a chance on playing (and mentioned many times by other posters) a midfield with width with more flare. Hence we get quite a few tedious games.

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neillrumsey added 11:26 - Jan 19 Lets not kid ourselves top six was a false position in a woeful league. For me this is the worst Championship I have seen for years and promotion will be gained by the consistent team. QPR the best I've seen this season and we were better than them for 45 mins. MM has done well with no money but we have no pace and little quality so ME should either back the manager and push for the top or we have to accept mid table at best, Is Nouble the worst striker to wear the Ipswich shirt. Struggling to find another candidate...

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blue_moon09 added 12:18 - Jan 19 Wow, the know it all stay away doom merchants are out again, if you don't like it go and and support another team from your armchair, Town are OK not world beaters but this season is an improvement on fighting relegation in previous years... As for investment don't you lot understand ME has signed 10+ players of the summer on decent wages?? there is room from improvement but the manager knows that and players will be signed over time to improve the starting IV, Stop moaning go to games. You Idiots.

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blueboy1981 added 12:56 - Jan 19 ..... there we go again ' if you don't like it' - go and support another team. That's typical school playground, juvenile, and totally unrealistic advice - and you should know that. In terms of being detrimental to the entire future of our Club,this is 'DIRE' advice from ANY supporter / follower of the Club. This Club is losing support fast enough without telling people who have supported the Club for some 40 / 50 plus years to do that - many who are Season Ticket holders as opposed to 'armchair supporters. We cannot afford to lose a single supporter - but fear we will unfortunately.

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Jimmy86 added 13:09 - Jan 19 Bluemoon09 Do you ever get bored of posting the same rubbish aimed at so called "armchair fans" has it occured to you that not everyone might be able to go to every game and your frankly patronising and offensive comments are not needed. Ive missed the last 2 home games due to work,does that make me an armchair fan?? Oh and 1 more thing id point out is the club certainly dont make it easy for the type of casual fan you aim your boring, predictable posts at to go to games due to their vastly inflated ticket prices!!! Do ya self a favour and shut up!!!!

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JWM added 13:10 - Jan 19 A question for all the Mick Outers! Given the dire financial mess this club is in and an owner that has completely lost interest, just who realistically will come in and do a better job than Mick? I would just like to know as I have not heard any viable alternatives as yet!
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Jimmy86 added 13:14 - Jan 19 Agreed JWM Mick is not the problem and has worked wonders on a shoestring budget. Evans needs to step up or do one. We have had the xarrot of the play offs dangled in front of our noses and that raised expectations
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blueboy1981 added 13:30 - Jan 19 JWM - ... credit where it's due - that's an interesting point and question, and considering the 'mess' you state not an easy one to give many options. Although there are some reasonably decent Managers out of work currently, and I am sure reasonably keen get back with a Club post haste - most would not be terribly interested unless they are assured that there would be money available for players to be brought in. All considered, I feel most people would be more than happy (I certainly would) for MM to stay - but change his tactics somewhat to be more positive in his approach to games, everything currently centres around, not losing and take a point, instead of winning. People get knocked on this forum for being negative - but it ouzes from the Manager, week after week, game after game - with no end to it in sight. However, my realism tells me MM will never change from what he is - so where we go as a Club - I do not know to be honest, medium to long term anyway - other than a change of ownership, but god forbid anything remotely like the Cardiff scenario, which is always a danger in todays game of rich boys, and rich toys !!.

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JWM added 13:46 - Jan 19 Thank you Blueboy for your well considered reply. The reality is that there is no alternative given the state our club is currently in. Look I understand all the frustration from fellow supporters and yes in time I would love it if the club appointed a young dynamic manager in the mould of another George Burley but this is not currently on the agenda. At this moment in time Mick is 100% the right man for the job and with only a year into his tenure he deserves our support and backing! It's just a real shame that ME is not doing his bit. It will I'm afraid take time to sort out the club and put it back on the path to recovery. Since Mick has been here he has at least steadied the ship and sorted out the ludicrous situation he inherited on the over reliance of loan signings! We now have our own players playing for the club which is a huge step forward! Patience is required although us fans must have the patience of saints given the ten years of rubbish that we have had to endure! A mid table finish this year and progress will have been made and for those who want more then I suggest that you start a whip round before every home game for Mick to bring in some quality players because the sad truth is that ME will not be sanctioning any more funds for players.

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Elizabeth added 14:39 - Jan 19 We so need a new Chairman .. I believe that this is where our problems are .. Copious funds for past managers and vey little for MM . If only I could win Euromillions !!!!
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Elizabeth added 14:40 - Jan 19 I meant very ..
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runningout added 15:08 - Jan 19 I'm frowning at the thought of how a new chairman could improve matters.. Players that have the ability to play football with both feet, and a good sports phsycologist may help!
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Elizabeth added 15:29 - Jan 19 It could improve matters by having someone at the helm who actually is interested and cares about the club.This is how ITFC operated in the past!
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Ipswichbusiness added 16:14 - Jan 19 Mr McCarthy has changed us from relegation fodder to a mid/upper table side in just over a year without spending money on transfer fees. That is quite an achievement. When we were in sixth place I didn't think that we were quite that good. The present place is perhaps a little worse than we deserve; natural place eighth? Don't despair; we can build on this. It might take a bit of time, but it can be done. There are worse things than trying a couple of the youngsters!

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