Mohamed Diamé’s goal three minutes after the restart was enough to see leaders Hull City to a 1-0 victory over the Blues at Portman Road. Town went closest to scoring before the break when Daryl Murphy hit the post, but having gone in front the Tigers dominated the second half.

Mick McCarthy made three changes with top scorer Brett Pitman coming in up front and Jonathan Douglas and Luke Hyam returning to the central midfield roles in the anticipated 4-4-2 formation.

Douglas was back after a three-match ban and Hyam from a calf injury which had sidelined him for the last two games.

Kevin Bru and Kevin Foley both dropped to the bench, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles wasn’t in the 18.

Hull made nine changes from the team which drew 0-0 at Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday with only Curtis Davies and David Meyler keeping their places.

Freddie Sears created the game’s first excitement in the sixth minute when he broke past Andrew Robertson down the Town right but his cross was too deep for strike pair Pitman and Murphy.

There was a scare for the Blues in the 10th minute when Tommy Smith got the ball caught under his feet and lost possession to Abel Hernández not far outside the area on the left.

The New Zealand international hauled the Uruguayan down as he looked to break into the box with only Bartosz Bialkowski to beat and was perhaps fortunate not to see a yellow card.

Robert Snodgrass took the freekick and sent it curling away from Bialkowski to his left, but the on-form Polish keeper got across to superbly tip it past the post.

Hull had most of the ball in the opening 20 minutes but with the freekick their only chance, while the Blues occasionally threatened to create an opening on the break.

On 25 Hernández shot over, then Smith did superbly to block a Diamé effort from the left of the area after he had appeared to have got away from the Town central defender.

A minute later, the Blues claimed a penalty when Pitman looked to be shoved as a Sears cross came over from the left. The ball was bundled out of play and from Pringle’s corner Berra’s header was stabbed behind.

Town were by now in charge and on 27 Murphy saw a shot deflect wide, Hull subsequently making heavy weather of clearing the danger after the resultant corner.

In the 37th minute, the Blues went within a whisker of going in front. Pringle, the man on all Town’s set pieces, whipped in a near post freekick from the left, which skipper Luke Chambers headed against a defender.

The loose ball fell to Murphy, who lashed a shot which struck the inside of the post and flashed across the goalmouth before being cleared.

Five minutes later, another Pringle freekick from the left caused more danger, the ball falling to Chambers a few yards out but the Blues’ captain was unable to get in a clean strike and the ball looped harmlessly to Tigers keeper Allan McGregor.

Town were ended the half on top, Sears making a strong run through the middle before shooting over, then Douglas similarly went high with a strike from distance.

Hull had started the half the stronger side but with Snodgrass’s freekick, which was superbly saved by Bialkowski, their only chance.

Town grew into the game and by half-time were in charge and had created chances, several from Pringle’s excellent set pieces.

The visitors threatened first after the break, Berra blocked a Hernández strike and Bialkowski rather needlessly punched the loose ball away before David Meyler hit a low shot which the Blues keeper claimed more comfortably.

But the Championship leaders didn’t have to wait too long to go in front. Robertson played in Diamé between two Town defenders and the striker dinked it over BIalkowski and into the net.

The Senegalese international almost immediately shot over and then Chambers blocked brilliantly from Meyler as the visitors took control of the game.

On 52, Bialkowski saved superbly from Sam Clucas, then one-time Blues loanee Jack Livermore smashed the rebound against the post.

The Tigers had dominated since the goal, passing the ball around confidently and looking likely to add to their lead, but on 59 Chambers caused McGregor an awkward moment with a cross-shot from the right which the keeper was pleased to see fly just over his bar.

In the 64th minute, with the visitors still on top, Kevin Bru replaced Hyam, who had suffered a knock. Five minutes later, as Hull swapped Hernández for Chuba Akpom, Pringle and Sears switched flanks.

Hull continued to control the game comfortably and might have increased their lead in the 75th minute when Moses Odubajo got behind the Blues’ backline on the right but crossed poorly and Chambers cleared.

Two minutes later, there were calls for a Town penalty when Douglas went to ground as he took a bouncing ball into the area but mainly from the stands and referee Malone quickly waved the claims away.

In the 79th minute Luke Varney took over from Pringle, who was warmly applauded off after an impressive home debut.

Soon after, Davies headed across the face of goal from a Snodgrass freekick when it seemed easier to score. Two minutes later at the other end, Pitman curled a freekick wide.

Town were finally beginning to get more of a foothold in the game and on 85 Murphy headed a Chambers cross from the right well wide. Two minutes later, Smith was booked for puling back Akpom.

As the game moved into three minutes of added on time, Sears forced McGregor to save down to his right after he had chested down and hit a low shot.

And from the corner the Blues almost grabbed an unlikely equaliser, Smith heading over under pressure at the far post. But there were no further chances before referee Malone blew the final whistle.

Having ended the first half the better side, the Blues never got going after the break with Hull scoring their goal only three minutes after the restart.

From there they dominated and looked every bit this season’s Championship title winners in waiting and they might have won more comfortably with Livermore coming close to a second when he hit the post and Davies heading across the face when he should have scored.

Town rarely threatened until the closing stages and will feel they ought to have taken their opportunities during their spell on top before the break when Murphy went closest when he struck an upright.

The result sees the end of the Blues’ 16-game, three-year long Tuesday night home run with the Blues now having lost four of their last five matches in all competitions.

Town, who are down to 10th in the table, now six points off the play-offs, next travel to Huddersfield, who drew 1-1 away against the MK Dons this evening, on Saturday.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Smith, Berra, Knudsen, Douglas, Hyam (Bru 64), Pringle (Varney 79), Sears, Pitman, Murphy. Unused: Gerken, Digby, Foley, Tabb, Touré.

Hull City: McGregor, Odubajo, Dawson (c), Davies, Robertson, Snodgrass, Meyler (Huddlestone 87), Livermore, Clucas, Diamé (Powell 84), Hernández (Akpom 69). Unused: Jakupović, Maguire, Maloney, Elmohamady. Referee: Brendan Malone (Wiltshire). Att: 17,630 (Hull City: 393).

Photo: Action Images

Blue_Meanie added 01:41 - Feb 24 I bet a progressive, forward thinking(in both sense of the word) manager at Championship level comes in for Freddie at the end of the season. He'll go and who could blame him. Our one player that worried CBs, and MM continues to stick him out wide. Murphy, should have sold to Boro, 8 mill was it? Everybody could see there was no way he'd reproduce that form two seasons running.

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Tufty added 02:10 - Feb 24 Just take a look at the fixtures Derby away Boro away Wednesday away Cardiff away All more likely to lose than win Need at least another 27 points for play offs . So we need nine wins from 10 winnable games Not very likely season pretty much at an end
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81andallthat added 04:43 - Feb 24 To be fair I'm listening to The Smiths right now.. WBA get relegated Tony Pulls staying on as manager.. 180 minutes of watching us two next season... Girlfriend in a coma..or.. Heaven knows I'm miserable now??
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GiveusaWave added 05:37 - Feb 24 Its time to stop thinking about the 6th spot. We should now be aiming to come as high up in the table as we can as that will generate more money. I can't remember the differences (prize money wise) between 13th and 8th spot but its significant and could give us some money to invest at the beginning of the season.
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HackneyBlue added 05:48 - Feb 24 Bored rigid again,dont kid yourselves those who thought we did well first half,Hull had 3 more forward gears,they used 1 early second half and that was that,they looked like they were in a training session.For the first time in 32 years i wll give up my season ticket until the football is played the correct way,that i can watch any Sunday.I had decided that before kick off.

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ivegottheblues added 07:17 - Feb 24 I'm with you HackneyBlue. I still have my first season ticket from nearly 38 years ago which cost £30 for the whole year in the Cobbold Stand. What good value for money that was ! And what bad value for money it is now to watch the dire stuff being served up. Whilst I applaud the loyal supporters who still attend matches come rain or shine, in the long term the only way to register our discontentment is unfortunately not to go.

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Ipswichtown4life added 07:42 - Feb 24 Lets not be deluded here... The playoffs are obv there for the taken but with this squad I really dont see us doing any damage, player like paul anderson, jonathan parr, stephen hunt nd his brother were hungry and were willing to do anything to get us into the top six... pringle..? a waste of a pringle.. douglas is a has been.. Sears bless him playing out of position... pitman poor fella cant a shot at the big time.. I knew murphy wud have second season syndrome.. lets sit back and think of how we going to get the 30-over moved on and look for hungry players..

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essex57 added 08:15 - Feb 24 Whilst I agree with some of the sentiment on here to say that the players last night were not hungry is a bit wide of the mark every one of them put a hard nights shift in the comment naming the players of last year Hunt etc being hungry I notice the name Tab is missed is that because every one used to get on his back most of the season even though he ran his socks off every match. The post re Bart being snapped up by a lower tier premiership club is pure fantasy. re the 30.00 season ticket my first season ticket was 28.00 on the Portman terrace when players were on 250.00 per week and the club ran a balanced budget now gate receipts just about cover wage costs. So a sense of perspective is required the current crop of players are just not up to it whatever people think about what goes on at Playford Rd . To end I will support the club I love travelling to Huddersfield with hope whatever happens I shan't leave with despair if we get beat after all its only a game.

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planetblue_2011 added 08:44 - Feb 24 micks crap tactics and playing players out of posistion has to change. MM surely these players cant be on your team sheet for next game/games!! Chambers out from right back - Foley in Knudsen out - Kenlock in Hyam out, probably injured again - Tabby in Murphy out - Toare in & push Sears up front. The four players might not look great but at least they will be playing in their right positions. To be honest they haven't had a chance to shine, Tabb & Toare I do feel sorry for. sort it out mick it's not rocket science fella

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juniorblue added 08:50 - Feb 24 Good post Tractorboy666 I just wish we would at least try and play with some intent and attack. The way it's going we will lose Sears to a team who will play him in the right position. I hate being negative but have been going to games since we were in the old 2nd division and this is some of the worst 'football' we have played. MM needs to think outside his box and coach the players to defend by attacking. COYB show us you are better than this!

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essexboy added 08:51 - Feb 24 Time to walk Mick.Devoid of ideas,no plan B.Square pegs in round holes,We've all had enough.NOT one shot on target ,how bad is that.Get out now,Please.
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Cloddyseedbed added 09:19 - Feb 24 Don't get the Murphy bashing, what support has he got and what service has he to live on. He needs Sears along side him regularly so they can form a partnership. MM is ruining all players confidences by playing them out of position. Sears will soon want to go if he has any ambition as he will never be allowed to play in his favoured position under MM. The man is slowly trashing players confidences. Look whats happened to AMN. The whole team has no balance, it is clear for everyone to see. Midfield, we haven't got one. Players being offered extensions on their contracts.....why when they are not good enough? The whole place needs rebuilding. Been going since the 60's and a season ticket holder since the 70's, but, unless changes are put in place for next season, manager, funds, playing staff, the way we play, I will not be renewing my season ticket. Football is supposed to be an entertainment sport. At Portman Road sadly it no longer is. Yes we were beaten by top of the league side, but it is clear we are now struggling in this league.

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algarvefan added 09:23 - Feb 24 You cannot buy success, that I agree with, but I am now beginning to worry about the club I have loved for a very long time. Is it that there is no money to spend, in which case that is understandable, or are we been taken for a ride by a non tax paying owner, whose own business ain't doing so good, a man who cares nothing for ITFC? I supported Mick as a manager to get us out of the perilous position we were in when he took over. A man with a reputation of slogging it out on little money, he did a good job. I can't say I have ever really enjoyed watching his teams but he kept us up. last season we exceeded all expectations, over performed and that needed building on. It hasn't been! We are now an average team in the second tier, no more or no less, the football is not attractive (something Ipswich have mostly always been noted for). I'll settle for mid table this season, as I don't like what I currently see. The real test of our ambition, or should I say the owners ambition will come next season.

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aidanj added 10:13 - Feb 24 Does anyone actually read the comments on page 4?
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rachelsdad added 10:26 - Feb 24 hard work in the first half kept us in the game but they seemed to step up a gear in the second half and we had no answer. good to see passing football and players in all positions who were comfortable on the ball and who had pace. sadly they were Hull City. lack of investment in quality players (particularly midfield) shows and has been obvious for months.Sears and the goalkeeper the only positives.

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Lightningboy added 10:27 - Feb 24 Sadly this season looks like petering out..i've not much enthusiasm for our club under the current managerial regime tbh..last night was YET another big game where we failed to score (or even get a shot on goal)..thought McCarthy would be the type to get us fired up for these sort of games? These latest league performances make even more of a mockery of our shabby treatment of the cups recently. Mick has taken us as far as his limited "tactical awareness" can take a team. It'll be the same again next season if not worse under him. This club needs a plan with a bright young manager..if Magilton had been here over the amount of time Keane/Jewell/ McCarthy have had we'd have been in the Prem years ago..you should've stuck with Jimbo Marcus..the last 7 years have been a complete waste.

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BackTheBlues added 10:55 - Feb 24 First 45 minutes were ok - wouldn't of been a shock to be 1 - 0 up - would of changed the game. Second half we concede a poor goal - change shape and panic. Play-offs look a long way off now - but we keep going!
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Gonefishing added 10:55 - Feb 24 aidanj - I do, in fact I always start at the back because often the views are more considered and more likely to be from the people that go. I have not been for ages because the football is diabolical. Mr M has had is time for sure. There is a fascinating blog from the Guardian about Jose Mourinho and how his style has a limited period of success at each club. Mick is a very poor version of this.

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Razor added 10:59 - Feb 24 Three more years------depressing. Henshall better than Pringle but obviously fell out with manager. Alabi got super goal for Chester last week----another player we could do with now. Smurf half asleep las t night-----looked in a different world. We dont have a quality goalie----said it in August----lot of flapping last night and lucky to get away with it. DEPRESSING!! See you all at Huddersfield

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paulcooperisgod added 11:06 - Feb 24 I get fed up of saying it but NO AMBITION From MM and ME they don't want promotion as MM will be found out as a one dimensional manager and ME will have to spend some money in the top league. Time for ME to come out of hiding show his face and tell us he is 100% behind ITFC or f#ck off and let someone with some REAL passion take over and spend some money on a young exciting manager and some real talent on the pitch and all this before we get sucked into the relegation zone

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Elizabeth added 11:32 - Feb 24 Nor good enough ! Another disappointing season!!
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Kirbmeister added 11:39 - Feb 24 Agree that Sears will be off end of season as he is capable of playing at a much higher standard that all the rest of our players. Wouldn't have looked out of place in that Hull side. We need to accept that even with a full strength side we are mid table all day long and unless ME invests that's where we'll stay. He can do what he wants with his money and if he does choose not to invest then we are destined for lower- mid table football from now on irrespective of what manager we have. It's probably an echo evening that we've even stayed in this league as long as we have but Premiership? I'm afraid we're not in with a hope. Hulls two forwards cost £15 million.

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Kirbmeister added 11:41 - Feb 24 Meant ....probably an achievement.....
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DebenBlue added 13:10 - Feb 24 Last nights performance, wasn't a one off !!! We have been playing dire, dull football particularly at home all season, with the exception of possible 2 of 3 games. We have missed McGoldrick and Bishop, no doubt. However we have been aware of their unavailability for some time. Skuse & Fraser are blows, but we have let both Parr and Oar go in January without replacing them, the squad is far weaker than at the start of the season and MM claims there is nothing available within our budget to improve the squad. Unless there is a serious review of how we as a club are going to move forward I have serious concerns for next season. We will not have Ryan Fraser or AMN. Murphy, Berra, Douglas are not the players they were. Sears our best player for the 2nd half of last season has been consistently played out of position and not looked the player he was, albeit was one of our better performers last season. Following on from our cup performances last season we do not have the young players to come through and we all now that McGoldrick will miss half the season through injury as he has for virtually his whole career. ME & MM seriously need to start planning for next season, this season is over and we are currently in freefall. The future is looking very bleak unless there is a drastic change in investment and the type of football we are playing. I believe that if ME was to make a statement that the club was going back to basics, the whole club from top to bottom was going to share the same football philosophy, we will play free flowing attacking football and we are going recruit from within the academy and target good young hungry players from the lower leagues, most ITFC fans would accept this concept and mid table positions as long as headed in the right direction. Unfortunately it appears we will have MM, his stubbornness and ME's lack of investment for the forthcoming years and it worries where this club will end up.

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blueherts added 14:24 - Feb 24 Mick , you say there is no one out there better than what we have and yet we had and have many injuries ! - Digby could not get in the Barnsley team - discuss........Coke ... discuss ....... It really is too tedious now , but dont worry lads - MM and TC have sorted out their deal and pay off .. ME - £100m up for grabs next season - worth a punt ? No , businessman like him are risk averse , run businesses on a shoestring - ony way I can really explain it McDonnell - the best young player in ireland ..... Oh not good enough to start ahead of Digby though - he is class that lad ,- My whole point is 'What is the strategy of ITFC' - where is the plan ? Love MM and ME to come out and show us the blueprint

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