Goals either side of half-time from Izzy Brown and Christopher Schindler saw Huddersfield to a comfortable victory over the Blues at the John Smith’s Stadium. Brown netted on 41 and Schindler 12 minutes after the break, while Town never looked getting back into the match once they had gone behind.

Jordan Spence was handed his Town debut, while Andre Dozzell, Kevin Bru and Freddie Sears all returned to the Blues line-up having been left out of the starting XI at Lincoln on Tuesday. Dean Gerken kept his place in goal with Bartosz Bialkowski unwell.

The Blues continued with their 3-5-2 system with skipper Luke Chambers in the centre at the back between Paul Digby on the right and Christophe Berra on the left.

New boy Spence was the right wing-back with Josh Emmanuel dropping to the bench. Jonas Knudsen continued on the left.

In midfield, Dozzell and Bru joined Cole Skuse with Jonathan Douglas and Grant Ward among the subs. Tom Lawrence started up front with Sears, who replaced Leon Best, who was left out of the 18.

Town’s other new signing Kieffer Moore was on the bench, alongside Tristan Nydam, who TWTD revealed was set to travel with the squad on Friday.

The 17-year-old midfielder was with the first-team squad for the first time for a competitive match, although having come on as a sub in the pre-season match at Cambridge, and was handed squad number 45. Michael Crowe was the sub keeper.

Huddersfield were without key midfielder Aaron Mooy, due to a back injury, while new German striker Collin Quaner's clearance didn’t come through in time for him to be involved.

The Blues, wearing their Barcelona-style third kit, started brightly and Lawrence curled a third minute freekick into the arms of Terriers keeper Danny Ward after he’d been fouled by Jonathan Hogg a couple of yards outside the area to the left.

The home side made a scruffy start but on 11 Elias Kachunga hit a low shot from the edge of the box which Gerken saved comfortably.

Huddersfield began to get their passing going and in the 15th minute Terriers skipper Tommy Smith crossed from the right and Gerken pushed Kachunga’s far post header onto the roof of the net.

On 21 Berra blocked a van La Parra strike after the Dutchman had cut in from the left, referee Andy Davies waving away ambitious appeals for a penalty. Soon after Kachunga headed Brown’s right-wing cross over from close range but with the linesman’s flag raised.

Huddersfield had been on top but up to then without being able to create many serious chances, but on the half hour Spence won the ball on the right and found Sears on the other flank with a raking pass. The former West Ham man brought the ball in on goal before hitting a shot which flew over Ward’s bar.

But the Terriers were still having most of the ball and on 34 van La Parra sent over a deep cross from the left but Kachunga’s header was too close to Gerken, who claimed.

On 37 Bru stole possession on the left and crossed to Lawrence, whose shot struck a Huddersfield player and deflected to Ward. The on-loan Leicester man appealed for a penalty but again referee Davies wasn’t interested.

A minute later, Huddersfield failed to deal with a Sears cross from the right and debutant Spence sent over a subsequent low ball from the same flank which flew across the six-yard box but with no Town player there to add the final touch.

Four minutes before the break Huddersfield went in front. Brown took a ball in to feet midway inside the Town half, turning Dozzell as he did so. The on-loan Chelsea man then brought the ball forward unchallenged before planting a 20-yard strike past Gerken.

The home side deserved their lead at half-time having been the better side having taken charge after a sluggish start, although without ever dominating in the manner that they have on occasion this season.

Prior to the goal, there hadn’t been too many clear-cut chances but Brown, who was on loan with Rotherham until earlier in the month, grabbed his first Huddersfield goal with great confidence.

The Blues had had a couple of opportunities, mainly on the break, but nothing clear-cut and an improvement was required in the second half if they were to avoid an already thoroughly disappointing week ending with another defeat.

Dozzell, who had been largely peripheral in the first half, was replaced by Douglas at the break, the announcement of the change provoking boos from the visiting support.

The second half began much as the first had ended and on 57 the Terriers doubled their lead. After Chris Löwe’s freekick - Bru had been booked for the foul which led to it - had initially been cleared, Philip Billing hit a powerful shot from the left of the area which Gerken blocked down to his left but the ball was pushed back into the danger zone and Schindler slammed into the roof of the net.

It was the German defender’s first goal at the John Smith’s Stadium but his second against Town, his header having won the game between the teams at Portman Road earlier in the season.

The Blues now had a mountain to climb but almost immediately Spence broke away dangerously down the right. However, his cross-shot flew past the post and was too far in front of any of his team-mates.

But aside from that Town were looking unlikely to get back in the game and in the 67th minute Spence was replaced by the afternoon’s second Blues debutant, Kieffer Moore, as Mick McCarthy switched his side to 4-3-3.

A minute later Huddersfield weren’t far from a third when Löwe crossed from the left and Kachunga headed wide at the far post.

The Terriers continued to look the more likely scorers, van La Parra shooting wide from inside the area before Douglas was yellow-carded for a foul on Brown. On 74 Brett Pitman replaced Bru as the Blues threw everything forward.

Huddersfield replaced their first goalscorer Brown in the 76th minute with Joe Lolley taking over.

After Berra had headed a Lawrence corner wide at the far post, the Terriers should have added to their lead when an 81st minute cross from the left found Michael Hefele in space in the area but the defender waved a foot at it and failed to make contact.

A minute later, Blues striker Moore turned and hit a low shot through to Terriers keeper Ward, who had had a very quiet half. Soon afterwards, Lawrence frustratedly smashed the ball away having been adjudged to have fouled Billing and was booked as a result.

The Blues continued to unconvincingly look for a goal in injury time but a comeback had never looked on the cards once the Terriers had gone two in front. Late on, van La Parra screwed a shot well wide as Huddersfield broke having defended a brief spell of Town pressure.

Moments later, referee Davies confirmed what was a very routine win for the Terriers, who were the better side once they had got over a sluggish start.

The Blues were in the game at 0-0 but once the home side had gone in front and then added to their lead a turnaround never looked likely with Town looking thoroughly bereft of confidence and belief following Tuesday's embarrassing FA Cup exit at Lincoln.

Huddersfield didn't ever really need to get into top gear and showed few signs of missing the injured Mooy.

The defeat means the Blues have gone 23 league games without repeating the same result in successive matches - since they drew with Wolves and then Norwich in August - beating the previous club record of 22 established in 1965/66.

The Blues stay 14th in the table ahead of next week's trip to Preston, who are 10th following their 2-2 draw at Aston Villa this afternoon.

Huddersfield: Ward, Smith (c), Hefele, Schindler, Löwe, Hogg (Whitehead 85), Billing, Kachunga, Van La Parra, Brown (Lolley 76), Wells (Hudson 90). Coleman, Bunn, Cranie, Stankovic.

Town: Gerken, Spence (Moore 67), Digby, Chambers (c), Berra, Knudsen, Skuse, Bru (Pitman 73), Dozzell (Douglas 46), Lawrence, Sears. Subs: Crowe, Emmanuel, Nydam, Ward, Moore, Pitman. Referee: Andy Davies (Hampshire). Att: 19,113 (Town: 695).

Photo: Action Images

Norwichbeater added 17:33 - Jan 21 No half decent player will come to Ipswich at the moment while we are in this mess with MM in charge. Why would they?
15

TractorBoy666 added 17:34 - Jan 21 I'm sorry but was that some kind of sick joke I saw that Douglas came on at HT for a young promising Dozzell? Get this awful man out of our club, he should not be the master of his destiny and Evans needs to grow some balls and do the right thing for the club. I can't stand the man and I'm all for a protest next match if that's what is planned, enough is enough!
15

OsmansCleanSheet added 17:36 - Jan 21 Got a feeling we are going to repeat the same result in successive matches pretty soon!
8

dagenhamtown added 17:37 - Jan 21 Gutted embarrassed sick of it now to be honest. Yes the football is dire and some of his decisions are mind boggling. Without defending him to much we have to be realistic what manager would want to come here with a stagnant team with a chairman that puts no money in to the squad. I do feel slight sorry for mick because you can only play with what you have got and we have little or no quality. I would personally attack evans more so than mick in my opinion. The question no money from chairman what manager would honestly want this job. A thoroughly gutted fan I am again tonight.

2

roytheboy added 17:39 - Jan 21 The ball's in your court Mr Evans.
5

dirtydingusmagee added 17:39 - Jan 21 Evans ,Milne and McCarthy you deserve each other, the CLUB AND FANS DESERVE BETTER. just GO.
15

Seasider added 17:40 - Jan 21 When Douglas waddled on in the second half,I knew we were doomed.BTW understand Evans was there and didn't look too happy when leaving just before the end;but neither were the supporters,players and presumably old big head. Waiting to hear what the Dino has to say with bated breath
26

NoelTheDub added 17:40 - Jan 21 BREAKING NEWS Micks staying..... and the good news is we are looking to bring in a defensive midfielder on loan as back up for Dougie/Skuse enjoy the rest of the crap season regards Mr Evens.By the way 2017 season tickets on sale and are selling fast Mick said.
7

carlo88 added 17:40 - Jan 21 On the bright side a nice photo there of the sun over Huddersfield's stadium.
2

Swn98 added 17:42 - Jan 21 Alex Mathie summed it up the squads not good enough!!!
1

bluearmy4life added 17:43 - Jan 21 Where was the reaction then McCarthy? Milne- stay with Mick? Really?! I am really fearing the next seven games and I can't see where we are going to get a win from! These really are incredibly sad difficult times for once our proud club! I felt so ashamed after Tuesday night game, I just can't see where the confidence will come from. I think we need to prepare ourselves for a relegation dogfight. McCarthy please do the decent thing and resign!

16

Suffolk_n_Good added 17:45 - Jan 21 Same old, same old, McCarthy you're a dead man walking, just do one. Swn98 you clearly have little understanding of our club/fans/history
14

TimmyH added 17:48 - Jan 21 @Swn98 - Remember Johnny Williams at the start of the season said this sqaud was the best he'd seen at Ipswich the fact is a few of them which Mick pick's regularly to start are past their best or simply don't have that much quality, a few injuries don't help either but 4 years and 2 months into his tenure this is undoubtedly Micks mess!!
25

poggie added 17:52 - Jan 21 I have been an Ipswich fan for over 30 years (season ticket holder for almost 20 years). I have always been passionate about my team - but right now, am finding myself increasingly disillusioned and frustrated with the way things are going on and off the pitch- it's getting to the point where I am almost struggling to care! And not just about Ipswich, but football in general! Never thought I'd feel that way as football (along with music) is my great passion in life!! Keep hoping Marcus Evans will do the decent thing, but now realising that if he was intending to do that, he would've already done it!! Dark days indeed!!

13

dugoutdave added 17:55 - Jan 21 What I cannot understand about ME is that your Company's reputation is everything. How a company is perceived is paramount to maintaining business. Currently, ignoring the Rio fiasco, his name and his Company are being dragged down. How he can continue to allow this to happen is beyond me. His organisation must have performance related standards for senior managers and yet he continues to let this idiot stay in charge of a heavy investment. Beyond any business principles that I know about and I am an MD of a company with 18m turnover.

8

brianbull added 17:57 - Jan 21 Like a lot others on here we have got to admit that we will be in a relegation battle come the end of the season. I cannot see where points will be coming from or even goals. We have an owner who doesn't invest, no investment means the club can only go backwards. We are signing / loaning poor players many of which haven't even played in this league before. Playing league 1 / 2 players is only going to make us a league 1 / 2 outfit. I don't think MM is the right man but in all honesty he has had no help from Evans who supplies no money. It really upsets me to say we are heading to league 1 and will not go forward again until Evans either leaves or changes his investment policy. It makes me worry that when Mick leaves (I can't see Evans pushing him) what rubbish will we get next?

4

therein61 added 17:58 - Jan 21 Bluemay77, I have followed this club home and away since 1958 I consider myself a true supporter, and this season is the lowest I've felt since 1963 when we were nearly as bad as we now!!!!!!
11

blackcat added 17:59 - Jan 21 Of course the players have a lot to answer for,show some heart and pride however you cannot make a silk purse out of a sows ear quality is missing full stop. But we have all seen this scenario play out every season around the country , it's our turn again mm won't leave he has a contract and knows the sack is the only way he goes. He is northern has thick skin and can take the abuse. The owner has to act!! End of stop making the fans suffer until then keep away it's the only way to show you care now

2

lightingblue added 17:59 - Jan 21 Apparently the players and management on the team bus are singing we've got a job in the morning
1

HUTCHITFC added 18:00 - Jan 21 Whilst i appreciate we all love the town etc and some fans will say "ive not missed a game for 50 years" surely it's obvious to see that if we really do want change at our club then why did 695 fans make the trip. It will only take a couple of games with no fans turning up for something to get done trust me.
5

terryf added 18:00 - Jan 21 pinewoodblueboy, I'm getting to the point where I can't be arsed with home games and I'm a season ticket holder!! I'll decide when I go. How arrogant is that man McCarthy. His Teams play with no game plan, no creativity and no entertainment value. The players don't seem to understand what is required in a 352 system and this has to be the responsibility of the Manager and his coaching staff. Now the Nation knows what garbage us supporters have had to put up with for far too long. When is all going to end??

11

dalianwasexciting added 18:00 - Jan 21 It was dire. One nil down.bring on Douglas.....hmmmmm fuc& off u
3

Lennyboy added 18:02 - Jan 21 I haven't been on here for some time as I vowed not to comment until both Evans and McCarthy has left OUR beloved club. But it seems that neither are going so along with many suggesting a boycott of the next HOME game, which I never ever thought would happen to ITFC; I think it's time we did protest. I will go further in saying we need to try and attract a new buyer, someone that will invest and listen to the supporters. So here's an idea. It seems we will have to join the many clubs in the top two divisions that are owned with foreign investment. So people, WRITE to as many CEO Billionaires in China,Russia, America in an attempt to find a decent buyer that will invest and grow to love the club as we all do. Drastic times call for drastic measures.

-2

MickCuresInsomnia added 18:04 - Jan 21 Isn't it time you local Suffolk boys made more of a fuss during the home games (visually and vocally) & made life really uncomfortable for him...........having a young family and living 200 miles away he's not going to take much notice of little old me...........however a large number of you might tip the balance.
10

therein61 added 18:07 - Jan 21 Basically our side is dominated by aging favourites going through the motions who do not care enough and are not fit to wear the Town shirt, these people are selected by an aging manager who has lost touch with the modern game and is clueless in his treatment of young players(who might just want to win a game instead of playing for a point at best) who have been effed about from pillar to post!!!!!!!! Mick you are the weakest link(and you favourites) GOODBYE.

7

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls