Joe Garner got his Town career off to a goalscoring start as the former Rangers man netted a second-half debut goal to see the Blues to a 1-0 victory in their opening game of the season at Portman Road. Garner turned in a Jonas Knudsen cross five minutes after the break to win the game, however, the victory was marred by what appears to be a serious knee ligament injury sustained by Andre Dozzell just before the break.

Garner and Dominic Iorfa were given their Blues debut as Town lined-up in a surprise 3-5-2 formation.

Iorfa, on loan from Wolves for the season, started at right wing-back with Knudsen on the left and Jordan Spence, skipper Luke Chambers and Tommy Smith the central three.

In central midfield, Cole Skuse was joined by Dozzell and Grant Ward with Garner and Sears up front.

David McGoldrick and Bersant Celina were both on the bench having been ill for last week’s 6-1 friendly defeat at Charlton, while midfielders Flynn Downes, 18, and Tristan Nydam, 17, were also among the subs.

Birmingham, who lined-up 4-4-2, handed debuts to former Town loan keeper David Stockdale, who joined after turning down a new deal with Brighton, Marc Roberts, who signed from Barnsley, and Cheikh Ndoye, a recruit from Angers.

A torrential downpour preceded kick-off and rain continued to fall persistently as the game got under way.

Birmingham made most of the early running but without creating an opportunity until left-back Jonathan Grounds, a scorer in the 1-1 draw between the sides at Portman Road in April, hit a weak shot through to Bartosz Bialkowski in the fourth minute.

Soon after, as the sun broke through the clouds, Dozzell brought the ball forward from midway inside the visitors’ half but hit his effort well wide.

The Midlanders weren’t far from going in front on 10 when a long throw from Grounds on the left reached Michael Morrison, whose header was too close to Bialkowski who saved. A couple of feet either side of the keeper and Harry Redknapp’s side would have been in front.

EFL: Goal-line technology was called into action in the @skybetchamp for the first time today.

It ruled out a potential @BCFC goal. 👇 pic.twitter.com/bY9YeCQkr2– EFL (@EFL) August 5, 2017

Birmingham continued to have the better of it and just after the quarter hour right-back Emilio Nsue hit a low shot which Bialkowski claimed comfortably.

Town threatened for the first time from a Ward corner on the right. The ball eventually fell to Garner, whose shot deflected off a defender through to Stockdale.

The Blues began to get more into the game and in the 21st minute Ward, a debut hat-trick hero on the opening day a year ago, exchanged passes with Garner and broke into the area but put the ball wide from a very tight angle on the left of the area as Stockdale advanced.

On 26, following the latest in a succession of long throws from the right, Bialkowski saved Marc Roberts’s low shot from the right.

A minute later there was a further scare for the Blues when Iorfa looked to head a cross from the right behind and Knudsen, as he sought to avoid a corner, nodded the ball back to a Birmingham player on the right. Eventually it reached Che Adams on the left just outside the box, from where he curled a shot just over.

The visitors continued to look the more dangerous team and on 33 David Davis hooked a ball over as Bialkowski advanced having got in behind the backline, although Smith had looked to be fouled earlier in the build-up.

Bialkowski had to be on his mettle again in the 40th minute when Clayton Donaldson was played in on goal following a swift interchange of passes around the edge of the area, the Pole claiming at the former Crewe and Brentford striker’s feet.

Two minutes later, Dozzell played in Sears on the right of the box and the striker’s shot deflected wide.

From the corner, Dozzell went to ground clearly in pain as he battled for the ball with Adams, Birmingham keeper Stockdale immediately calling for medical staff to be allowed on to the pitch.

The midfielder underwent lengthy treatment for what's understood to be cruciate knee ligament damage - with Stockdale continuing to him morale support - before being stretchered off.

The 18-year-old, who had previously been treated for a knock a few minutes earlier, had been behind Town’s more threatening moments going forward and had been becoming more influential.

Downes replaced the England U19 international in the centre of the three-man midfield, making his senior debut.

There was just time for Donaldson to shoot wide past an empty goal with Bialkowski well off his line - an offside Adams having blocked off a Town defender as he looked to get back - before referee Tin Robinson ended the half.

The visitors had been on top for the most part and had created the half’s better opportunities.

Town had threatened only rarely with Dozzell having been behind their few chances. Concerns regarding the extent of the academy product’s injury dominated the half-time chat around Portman Road.

Birmingham created the first chance of the second half from a freekick on 49, Spence having been booked for a foul on Donaldson as they chased a ball down the middle. Craig Gardner’s ball into the box was volleyed across the face of goal by Davis.

A minute later the Blues took the lead through debutant Garner. Ward fed the overlapping Knudsen down the left and the Dane sent in a low ball beyond Sears but which the summer signing from Rangers met as he ran in from wide on the right at the far post and hit low across Stockdale before celebrating in front of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

The goal gave Town a boost and on 58 Downes began a move which ended with Knudsen sending over a ball towards Sears which a defender did well to divert behind.

For the first time the Blues were putting the visitors under pressure and a minute later Sears saw another effort well blocked with Stockdale off his line following a corner. From subsequent flag-kicks Skuse hit a shot which deflected wide and Garner headed wide at the far post.

Gardner volleyed wide for Birmingham in the 65th minute with Town starting to lose some of their immediate post-goal impetus, although with the visitors by no means putting them under pressure.

However, on 71, Nsue forced Bialkowski to tip over his well-struck shot from a tight angle on the right.

Three minutes later, the Blues switched debutant Iorfa, who was warmly applauded off by his new fans after an all-action display, for Adam Webster.

Town should have doubled their lead in the 76th minute. After Knudsen’s cross from the left reached Spence, who broke into the area on the right and cut the ball across to Sears, who turned the ball wide when he seemed certain to score.

Ndoye headed straight at Bialkowski from a corner as the game moved towards its final five minutes.

But Town didn’t look too uncomfortable and for spells passed the ball around confidently as they sought to see out the game.

On 87, with Smith off the field receiving a bandage to the head, Sears scraped a shot through to Stockdale from a cross from the right by the excellent Ward.

In the final minute of scheduled time Roberts was booked for pulling back Skuse after the Blues midfielder caught him in possession on the left a few yards outside the penalty area.

Town defended a corner, striker Garner making two important challenges inside the box, before referee Robinson blew his final whistle to confirm a winning start for the Blues.

Having been second best before the break, Town deserved their win based on the balance of the second and probably should have won more comfortably given the spell of pressure after the goal and the chance Sears will feel he should have taken.

There were impressive performances throughout the side, debutants Garner and Iorfa impressed their new home supporters, while Ward also caught the eye in central midfield.

Downes made a lively debut from the bench in the second half, putting in a battling display and passing tidily.

Dozzell's injury, which if as serious as feared seems certain to keep him out for most if not all of the rest of the season, was the only minus on what was otherwise a day with plenty of pluses for the Blues.

Town: Bialkowski, Spence, Chambers (c), Smith, Iorfa (Webster 74), Ward, Skuse, Dozzell (Downes 45), Knudsen, Sears, Garner. Unused: Gerken, McGoldrick, Celina, Nydam, Kenlock.

Birmingham: Stockdale, Nsue, Grounds, Morrison (c), Roberts, Davis, Gardner, Ndoye, Maghoma (Keita 79), Donaldson, Adams. Unused: Kuszczak, Shotton, Kieftenbeld, Brock-Madsen, Harding, Gleeson. Referee: Tim Robinson (West Sussex). Att: 18,153 (Birmingham: 2,012).

Photo: TWTD

carsey added 19:06 - Aug 5 A pleasing result. Some good performances particularly Downed when he replaced Roswell. Good for Garner to get off to a scoring start but I so want Freddie Sears to score and he had a golden opportunity today. Nice to see them try to pass the ball but I still get frustrated with our centre backs just heading the ball when they have ample time to put a foot on it and keep the ball. I think this is a McCarthy coaching issue which basically involves giving the ball back to the opposition unnecessarily. A positive start let's hope we can keep it going and McCarthy leaves Downed in the starting lineup.

5

leftie1972 added 19:06 - Aug 5 Excellent start to the season. There is hope. I'm praying that Dozzer isn't injured for too long but it's nice to know that Flynn Downes seems ready to step up. COYB!
3

Suffolk_n_Good added 19:14 - Aug 5 Really great second half performance from the boys today, first half was cagey, but we upped the tempo in the second half. Dozzell was at the centre of anything that was positive in the first half, such a shame about his injury, Downes however certainly took his chance well, & made a complete nuisance of himself!! A well worked goal, great to see Garner get off the mark too. We'll definitely face much better teams than Birmingham, but credit where credit is due, a good solid winning start ;)

11

trevski added 19:36 - Aug 5 Pitman scored twice for Pompey :(
6

Swn98 added 19:37 - Aug 5 Great start to the season what a difference a week makes! apologise to Jonas for saying should never put the shirt on again after last weekends debacle today he had a much better game seemed to be better playing further up the park providing the cross in for the goal. Good to see skuse getting forward and playing more short balls obviously petrified of taking over the Douglas mantle of crowds boo boy. Hope Dozzel is soon back,it was great to see that Downes could come on and make an immediate impact on the game. There will be much harder games this season but we looked solid in all Departments so there is hope for an exciting season ahead. Finally brilliant atmosphere to day let's hope it's like that all season.

4

runningout added 19:37 - Aug 5 Well done Brett :-)
3

runaround added 19:59 - Aug 5 Deserved victory for the second half performance. First half I thought we were poor struggling with the formation, Dozzell was the one bright spark before his injury which I hope isn't as bad as it looked. Second half the whole team seemed to up it 2 notches, dominating & fully deserving the win. Was impressed with Downes. COYB's
7

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 20:01 - Aug 5 Very sorry for Andre. I'm sure he'll get the support he needs to get over the injury. Spent a very frustrating first 45 minutes trying to get iFollow to work on the PC. Although I already had, it kept asking me to subscribe and there was no indication of where the video was to be found. Finally got it to work on a mobile, but who wants to watch a match on a 2-inch screen? Anyway, seems I saw the best bit, and I thought we actually played quite well, even though we are obviously not top-six material in this division. No commentary, though, so I'm not massively impressed with iFollow. Not sure it's better than Brenner plus the TWTD chat forum. Still, good win in the end. Harder tests to come, but some evidence of a new approach today at least, and good displays from Downes and Garner in particular. Reckon Didz will replace Freddie, though, as the latter seems very low on confidence.

8

Seasider added 20:31 - Aug 5 Pleased that over 18k witnessed this decent game especially compared to last year. Also pleased that overseas fans like Frank from Holland are now able to watch live streams,instead of having to rely on Brenner Wooley/Mick Mills,and brief highlights. Am not getting carried away but even in pre season it was obvious that Town were playing it more on the floor,and this was very much in evidence today. Players Chambers,Smith and Knudsen are no nonsense defenders;but lack the finer points associated with this type of football.Think they are adapting well,although was disappointed that Knudsen,has been brought back at the expense of Kenlock ,who deputised so well for the Scandinavian at the end of last season. However an all round satisfying result against a poor Birmingham side. Not sure whether Marcus pointed out to his Manager during their close season chat,that his 5 point plan called for youngsters to be brought through;which at last seems to be happening. Andre Dozzell was dropping deep and picking up the ball,which was being played out from the back;but after he was injured Bart was kicking long again. However Greg Downes was a livewire in midfield aiding Skuse and Co admirably;so that we were picking up the second ball. Difficult to pick a m.o.m;GARNER led the line well and worked back,WARD was involved in a dominant midfield 2nd Half,and both IORFA and SPENCE added good width. A special mention for both DOZZELL in the 1st half and GREG DOWNES in the 2nd,who I think just shaded it in the battle of the youngsters.Hope Andre's injury isn't as bad as it looks.Not forgetting Cole Skues who seemed revitalized without his beard lol. One swallow does not make a Summer;but am feeling much better than I did after the Charlton game!

14

grumpyoldman added 20:35 - Aug 5 A nice start, but let's not get carried away, will personally judge the progress after ten matches not one
11

Cloddyseedbed added 20:50 - Aug 5 I found the 1st half much like last season. 2nd half more movement and passion. Dozzell did very well and was a positive link in midfield until his injury. Lets hope it's not as bad as it's feared. I wish him well in his recovery. Downes a real player, gets stuck in, skillful and an eye for a pass. Lets hope he keeps it up and gets game time. Impressed with Garner also, need someone with fire in their belly up top. He reminds me a bit of Marcus Stewart. Ward quiet in 1st half but more active in 2nd half. Knudsen is not as good as Kenlock in attack and certainly not at defending, often caught out for speed and stopping crosses going in. Kenlock should be in the team if fit. Overall a good start to the season and gives us long suffering supporters something to celebrate tonight but Birmingham were poor and I'm certainly not getting carried away. We still desperately need that big, good striker.

9

dubblue added 20:51 - Aug 5 Greetings from Munchen! More positives than negatives - the performances of Dozzell, Downes and Garner. Negatives the injury to Dozzell. Sears missed a golden chance unfortuately a not too uncommon occurance saw him miss a sitter in the pre season at Drogheda. Anyways a win is a win. COYB!
5

BrettenhamBlue added 21:08 - Aug 5 Didn't see the game but sounds like a good start to a long season.
4

smurfsareblue added 21:10 - Aug 5 I went on strike last year as I could take no more boredom. Didn't attend a game all season for first time in 30 years. Decided to wipe the slate clean and give McCarthy another go. Have got to congratulate the coaching team today. We actually kept the ball on the floor, retained posession and passage of play that led to the goal was great. Devastated for Dozell as thought he was stand out player first half. Great footballing brain. Could be better than his Dad in the future. Hope he recovers soon. However Flyn Downs looks like he really could be a player and injury to Dozell could give him a chance to stake a claim for a place in the team. Grant Ward good second Half. Liked Iorfa. Not Great opposition but a win is a a win. PLEASE continue to play up and coming youth players PLEASE continue to pass the ball. Don't panic and resort to Hoofball when we lose a couple of games. PLEASE buy a centre forward to play with Garner/Sears. Like them both but forwardline a bit lightweight. Well done for the win. Keep playing it on the floor. Proved today we have players who can pass the ball. (Evan skuse is passing it forward. Must have been given a compass over the summer).

9

wayway added 21:22 - Aug 5 See the brainwashed are getting excited already, didn't we win the first game last season? Just saying
3

howdonblue added 21:25 - Aug 5 Whatever has been said on here over the last few days it is great to get our season off to a good start ! Well done joe garner hopefully he will have some more company up front bafero to long . Sears missed a sitter today apparently
2

happybeingblue added 22:10 - Aug 5 Decent result impressed by garner a real presence up top , iorfa too played with a lot of promise and downes, wow really played well solid looking player who has an all action style, we looked shaky at times at the back particularly when Knudsen switches off, but he put some dangerous balls in at the other end but after all the pre season woe, I'm just really pleased tonight that we dug in and tbh I always feel that once we go ahead we can sometimes be vulnerable to end up losing the game 10 at the back mentality but we looked in control of the game and a lot of that today was down to good old fashioned team spirit with young downes in particular a real presence Well done town

4

StochesStotasBlewe added 22:12 - Aug 5 Did not go today, but delighted we won. Sounds as though there is a promising youngster in Flynn Downes. Well done to all.
6

happybeingblue added 22:14 - Aug 5 Btw I know this probably won't go down well as he was such a pain in the proverbial for us but garner reminded me of grant holt in his prime today, and young downes reminded me of Matty holland ... so there's a thought :)
3

bugledog123 added 22:34 - Aug 5 Good result and not a bad game although we will face much better opposition than Brum in the coming weeks. 3 points and 4th in the league work for me!
2

KiwiTractor added 00:16 - Aug 6 Great result, well done all. I would like to see MM pick a full strength side for the cup match and try and keep the momentum going.
5

dubblue added 01:11 - Aug 6 Greetings from Munchen! More positives than negatives - the performances of Dozzell, Downes and Garner. Negatives the injury to Dozzell. Sears missed a golden chance unfortuately a not too uncommon occurance saw him miss a sitter in the pre season at Drogheda. Anyways a win is a win. COYB!
1

Minneapolis_ITFC added 02:50 - Aug 6 A win is a win, we did it and got first victory on a new season. Not getting carried away by any extent but these three points alone will eradicate some degree of ill feeling and animosity towards certain individuals. Now go beat Luton in the League Cup tourney, would ideally like to see this competition included to our honors list, play like we can and all things are possible.

4

cat added 08:13 - Aug 6 Great 3 pts and a positive start to the season, that will always be the first and foremost in terms of importance. Not going to get carried away by this, as i wouldn't have should we have lost. We will get a good indication where we are at in a couple of months. Key to success this season will be through the youths imo, gutted about Dozzell as I'm sure he will be (wish him a speedy recovery) but there's 2/3 others who have great potential and will hopefully kick on. Thoughts obviously with BATTYBLUE, kind of puts things in perspective somewhat!!

5

WindsorBlueArmy added 08:54 - Aug 6 A very positive opening game of the season.I thought the system worked well and helped by impressive performances from Chambers,Skuse,Sears and Garner.However,what a debut from young Downes.It was tragic the circumstances he made his debut(all the best Andre for a speedy recovery)but he certainly made an impact.Lets hope he doesn't disappear like Hyam and Bishop. With regards to Garner hope the crowd listens to lyrics of Glad all Over to develop the chant(or even Rangers fans!!!)

2

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls