Martyn Waghorn and Joe Garner were on target as Town took their start to the season to five wins out of five by beating Brentford 2-0 at Portman Road. Home debutant Waghorn opened the scoring in the 35th minute with his one-time Rangers team-mate netting the second with a header six minutes after the restart to take the Blues to second in the Championship.

Myles Kenlock returned to the side for injured skipper Luke Chambers in an otherwise unchanged team.

The 20-year-old started at left-back with Jonas Knudsen moving into a makeshift central defensive pairing with Jordan Spence. Cole Skuse wore the captain’s armband in Chambers’s absence.

Mick McCarthy again fielded all four of his strikers, while Dean Gerken and Bersant Celina, who both missed the 4-3 win at Millwall as they were unwell, returned to the bench along with Flynn Downes, who had been absent at the Den with a calf injury.

Brentford made three changes from the team which drew 2-2 at home to Bristol City in midweek with Jota, who has been strongly linked with West Ham, among those missing from the 18.

The visitors struck the game’s first shot in the second minute, Kamo Mokotjo smashing a powerful effort well wide following a corner from the right.

The Bees dominated the first couple of minutes but on six Freddie Sears broke into the area on the left and looked for Garner at the far post but a defender intervened.

Brentford threatened again in the 11th minute when the ball was cut back to the unmarked Nico Yennaris in space on the edge of the area but the Bees’ skipper took a touch when he might have shot first time and Knudsen was able to close down and block.

The Bees continued to dominate and on the quarter hour Neil Maupay turned a Yennaris cross from the right to Bartosz Bialkowski, who claimed comfortably.

The West Londoners weren’t too far away again two minutes later when Yoann Barbet was found by Ollie Watkins’s freekick from deep on the left but the French defender was unable to get enough on the ball.

Bialkowski saved sharply low to his right from Watkins in the 20th minute with the Blues still having made little headway going forward.

That changed in the 23rd minute when Kenlock sent Sears away down the left. The former West Ham man cut inside and into the box but Barbet got across to slide in and put the ball behind before he could cross for Waghorn at the far post.

The Blues began to get on top with David McGoldrick starting to see more of the ball. Meanwhile, at the other end, Maupay was becoming increasingly frustrated with referee Oliver Langford, a couple of decisions having gone against him.

On the half hour, Kenlock won a freekick on the Town left and Ward swung the ball in deeper than he probably intended and Bees keeper Daniel Bentley was forced to tip over.

Two minutes later Bialkowski was out quickly to punch away ahead of Maupay as he chased a ball down the middle, the French striker subsequently shoving Spence after the ball had gone out and receiving a ticking off from the referee.

Town had begun to look the more threatening side and in the 35th minute they went in front. Skipper Skuse intercepted a pass just inside the Brentford half and left the ball for McGoldrick, who brought it into the box where he was shoved to the ground by Yennaris.

The players and the Portman Road crowd called for a penalty - probably justifiably - but the loose ball ran through to Waghorn, who turned his first home goal into the net, his fourth for the Blues since his move from Rangers less than two weeks ago.

Brentford looked to quickly get back on terms and on 43, Romaine Sawyers, who moments earlier had been booked for frustratedly throwing the ball away, was found in space on the left of the Town area and hit a shot across Bialkowski that the Blues keeper saved well.

Then, following a corner, Yennaris smashed a shot from distance off the top of the Town bar. The danger still wasn’t gone, however, and within a minute Florian Jozefzoon headed straight at Bialkowski when unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box from Watkins’s left-sided cross.

For the Blues, McGoldrick twisted and turned to find himself space on the right of the area and hit a shot which Bentley saved.

Moments before the half was brought to an end Maupay finally talked his way into referee Langford’s book.

Brentford’s frustrations were perhaps understandable having been on top for most of the half, creating most of the game’s chances.

But, as has been the case with Town’s strikers in the last few games, when a Blues chance had come Waghorn tucked it away, the Bees having either spurned their opportunities, hit the bar or found Bialkowski in typically resolute mood.

Four minutes after the restart Yennaris screwed a shot wide for the visitors, then on 51 Town doubled their lead.

McGoldrick stole the ball from Harlee Dean on the left and took it on before his cross towards Garner was turned behind by a defender.

Ward whipped in the corner from the right, Garner headed goalwards and Yennaris cleared away from goal. However, referee Langford quickly signalled that the newly-introduced goal-line technology had indicated that the ball had crossed the line and the former Rangers man celebrated his third goal of the season and his second at Portman Road in front of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

HAWK-EYE: Despite @BrentfordFC's best efforts, they couldn't keep out Joe Garner as he doubled the @Official_ITFC lead this afternoon. 👁 pic.twitter.com/xPpltGeYkp

— EFL (@EFL) August 19, 2017

Brentford swapped Maupay for Lasse Vibe in the 62nd minute as they looked to find a way back into the game.

A minute later there was an uncharacteristic error from Bialkowski, the keeper mis-punching a looping ball after Watkins’s shot had deflected up into the air. Kenlock saw the ball behind for a corner.

There was more excellent work from Kenlock in the 66th minute when he dispossessed Jozefzoon and sent a terrific pass over Barbet and into the path of Garner, who was through on goal. But just as the striker was about to unleash his shot the Frenchman made a superb challenge to take the ball away from him.

On 69 Waghorn was replaced by Downes to warm applause from his new fans. Seconds later, Mokotjo hit a low shot through to Bialkowski, who claimed confidently down to his right.

Garner almost found Sears with a cross from the Blues’ left before Vibe tried to catch out Bialkowski with a sharp shot from the right with the Town keeper having initially come off his line to come for the ball as the Dane chased it down.

Vibe, who had only been on the field for 13 minutes, hobbled off moments later and was replaced by debutant Theo Archibald. Soon after, Brentford swapped Jozefzoon for Josh Clarke, then as the game moved into its final 10 minutes Kenlock was booked for a foul on Archibald.

With five minutes remaining McGoldrick was switched for Tristan Nydam, who was making his home debut, the Irish international receiving a warm ovation as he left the field after another excellent performance.

In the 88th minute Danny Rowe took over from Sears, who was again given a warm ovation as he made his way off the pitch.

Brentford looked to put the Blues under pressure in the final minutes but without significantly testing Bialkowski and his improvised backline, who could be proud of their role in helping Town to a well-won three points.

In the absence of skipper Chambers Knudsen - who had been the standout performer in the back four putting in one of his best performances for the club - was the one charged with the now obligatory fist pump in front of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

Having ridden their luck at times in the first half, in addition to Bialkowski making important saves, the Blues were more comfortable after the break once Garner had added the second goal.

A Brentford comeback never seriously looked on the cards, although the Bees, who drop to bottom with only one point, will wonder how they were behind at the break.

Town's clinical start to the campaign continued with the Blues netting two of three shots on goal, taking their overall total to nine goals from 12 shots on target in their four Championship games.

The victory was Town’s fifth of the season in all competitions, matching the start in the 1999/00 promotion campaign, which concidentally contained two 2-0 League Cup wins against Brentford.

The Blues last won their first four league games at the start of the 1974/75 campaign.

The result sees Town, who travel to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday before facing Fulham in the Championship at home next Saturday, climb to second in the table behind Cardiff, who beat Wolves 2-1 at Molineux this afternoon.

Town: Bialkowski, Iorfa, Spence, Knudsen, Kenlock, Skuse (c), Ward, Waghorn (Downes 69), Sears (Rowe 88), McGoldrick (Nydam 85), Garner. Unused: Gerken, Celina, McDonnell, Woolfenden.

Brentford: Bentley, Dalsgaard, Dean, Barbet, Colin, Mokotjo, Yennaris (c), Jozefzoon (Clarke 78), Sawyers, Watkins, Maupay (Vibe 62 (Archibald 75)). Unused: Daniels, Bjelland, Egan, Archibald, Westbrooke. Referee: Oliver Langford (West Midlands). Att: 15,348.

Photo: TWTD

TonyMowbray added 22:40 - Aug 19 Unbelievable turnaround from last season's utter dross. In some incredibly small way I feel (along with loads of others) part responsible for the change in fortunes......certainly the change in philosophy. It actually seems like Mick/Marcus have listened to the disgruntled masses and reacted positively. I think the proof is in the pudding as no MM has ever been so attacking minded. Hopefully the dark days of Jonathon Douglas and not being able to match a conference side for footballing talent are well behind us. Keep it up lads and keep entertaining, it's incredibly refreshing.

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BuckieBlue added 22:43 - Aug 19 A lot on here about team spirit. If you look at top 4 now, all had rubbish/ nothing season's last year= something to prove; -vely the teams which had disappointments last season (relegation, play off defeats, or narrowly missing play offs) are all struggling. Also often there are one or two sides who get a bit of momentum going and surprise everyone (e.g. Huddersfield). Ok very early, but that team spirit + something to prove + momentum can give us something to build on. COYB

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warktheline added 23:03 - Aug 19 @geddis, you're judged by the company you keep! Check your thumbs up! Need I say more?
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Tractorboy1985 added 23:32 - Aug 19 Just checking if your still around blueboy1981?? First on here when it all goes Pete tong but never on here to praise the team and a clean sheet! Don't get me wrong.. I'm not having you out but I really was hoping to see a post from yourself congratulating the team on today's win! So refreshing to see so many positive posts! COYB!!!
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Minneapolis_ITFC added 00:50 - Aug 20 That's four league victories and progression in a cup game by my math since start of season - and Mick McCarthy is still team manager... Seriously, you could have Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marples, Poirot, Mulder and Scully, and the best operatives in British intelligence working on this and we'd still be no nearer an answer. Can't comprehend at all how a club can go from the depths of garbage to something approaching promotion material in such a short space of time. Hell, almost feel guilty for the harsh words (and profanities) said in the managers direction only a short time back. Almost.

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IpswichTilliDie1978 added 02:32 - Aug 20 WOW! What an unbelievable start to the season. We are finally starting to play attacking football and credit has to go to Mick for playing 4 top class forwards who are quite clearly getting use the goals we so badly lacked last season. Once again i am excited for the next game and to see how the season plans out. Credit where credit is due, and Mick finally looks like he knows what formation to play and how to set up the team. UTTB!

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GiveusaWave added 05:52 - Aug 20 Knudsen and Spence literally put their lives on the line today defending our goal. Another great game by Bart and Ward seems to be much more the player we saw on his debut against Barnsley, as for Garner and Waghorn: we look so much more dangerous now going forward. I'm not saying everything's perfect, but a sensational start to the season and 12 points already on the board. Surely our odds on relegation have now been altered with the bookies? Right now, can't see that happening at all.

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SpiritOfJohn added 07:30 - Aug 20 Brilliant result yesterday. I was driving through Norfolk and listening to Conor Hourihane score a hat-trick against lowly Norwich. When news of our second goal came through they were spitting feathers. Can someone please give Waghorn 3 chances against the Budgies on 22nd October as it's been a long time since Mathie ran riot.
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martin587 added 08:15 - Aug 20 Nothing more to say than "very well done lads". When the defence is back to normal who know's what we can achieve.Live for the moment and stop finding fault with the team.Five happy drives home.For me,l'm a very happy supporter.👍
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BlueMachines added 08:35 - Aug 20 Watched my first game yesterday. Honestly I don't think we are that different in terms of performance from last year. Still playing players out of position (Sears) and not creating many chances. Dismiss stats all you want but only 12 shots all season is a concern. In this game alone Brentford had 22. However, we have got a couple of strikers with a very handy knack of finding the back of the net. I prefer Waghorn to Garner as I think he has more quality about him. It's odd that MM has admitted he had no intention of signing the guy and he actually stumbled in his lap so decided to sign him. That lucky stroke may just be the best signing of the season. It bodes well that we aren't struggling in Midfield like we have previously. With Huws and Adyemi to come in we can only improve surely? Praise to Knudsen who yesterday was stand out. Best game in a Town shirt. I think we have some way to go before we can be top 6, but with the injury list as it is this is remarkable and we do have the capacity required for that improvement. Well done Town, and thanks all for the positive approach to games. That is all many of us wanted.

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warktheline added 08:43 - Aug 20 @geddis, 'the truth is Mick did well to keep us up last season'. Your ignorance is beyond compare, 0h I forgot, the recently departed but now resurrected Swn shows comparison ! This argument has and continues to drag on. In 'simplistic' dialogue, something you use to air brush the past, apart from one game (Reading) highlight to the forum when McCarthy has played so boldly! Is this not what the vast majority have cried out for? Remember when replying I've left enough rope to hang yourself!

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warktheline added 08:57 - Aug 20 @bluemachines, agree, but as you highlight, when you play 4 strikers with confidence and form high, there's every chance of finding the net, and of course goals ultimately win football matches! Something that hasn't happened at Portman rd for a very long time!
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Cloddyseedbed added 09:02 - Aug 20 Thoroughly enjoyed todays game. End to end, rode our luck at times but defending was resolute and we always look like we are going to score. Well done team and MM at the moment. 2 games I've been to at home and during the walk back to the car I had a smile on my face and felt good. Not once was that evident last season apart from the Newcastle game. Confidence is a big part of sport and at the moment the ITFC camp is buzzing. Young players coming into a team doing well is a lot better than being thrown in when we are struggling! Long may our run continue.

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jas0999 added 09:44 - Aug 20 Continues to demonstrate the complete difference between bringing in frees and loans rather than modest fees for quality players. In many ways we were outplayed at times yesterday, but when you have players who can finish in the team, you will win games. Still be interesting to see how we do against better opposition. But nonetheless this is a good win.
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geminimustang added 09:56 - Aug 20 For the contributors who are insistent that the stats matter,here goes:- Played 4, Won 4, GF 9, Pts 12, Joint Top in the Championship. For the comments regarding MM playing people out of position:- Injuries. For contributors who insist on personal attacks:- Please refrain.Let's value the view of others and explain your view with clarity.By all means,attack the view but not the person.Imho,Phil should moderate far more. I defended MM,TC & ME last season and believed the players added this season would keep ITFC out of the relegation battle and,at best,mid-table.So far,i'm pleased to say,the team are proving me wrong.Long may it continue.

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BlueMachines added 10:55 - Aug 20 Walktheline, I think people forget that at times last year, often in fact, we played 3 (occasionally) 4 strikers at the same time. Yet still couldn't create let alone score chances. So I'm not convinced by your statement. Perhaps that fact is easily forgotten because people had forgotten how to recognise a striker!! Gemini mustang. Seats out of position not due to injury. Ward played in his best position yesterday (centre midfield) because of injury. He often gets put out on the wing and is never as effective. Of course Knudsen and Spence weren't in position yesterday, I do recognise the injury list in defence was extreme. And I was amazed at how well they did. Stats of course can be used to show anything. 12 shots all season is as valid as 2nd in the league and vica versa.

2

warktheline added 11:06 - Aug 20 @bluemachines, fresh faces, new impetus! Negativity replaced by positivity!
2

IpswichT62OldBoy added 11:30 - Aug 20 They had 22 shots in total, 6 on target. We had three shots on target and scored two. We made 9 blocks and Bart had no difficult save to make. Stats suggest we are being very efficient.
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coolcat added 11:38 - Aug 20 Great win yesterday. Great team performance. Nice meeting players and fans after the match. Came up from London once again. Onto the next one. :) x
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Seasider added 13:03 - Aug 20 Very little to add,and agree with most posts. Marked nearly all players with 8's.Overrun in midfield as stats show;but you have to put the ball in the net to make a difference. Agree that Jonas had his best game in an Ipswich shirt,and is better as a centre back;also that young Kenlock should start on the left,together with the Dane. Congrats to Mick and his coaching staff,and the players for bringing back the good feeling to Portman Rd.Hope it lasts. Only disappointment was the size of the crowd,which is probably a legacy of last season.

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Lukeybluey added 13:21 - Aug 20 Great win! Stand out players for me was Kenlock and Knudsen. I thought they were both immense, especially Knudsen. Kenlock made some great tackles and important interceptions. Has to start for me. I quite like Knudsen at centre back, has a bit of pace and can pass it out. Also the atmosphere has greatly improved from last season, almost feels we are getting back to fortress portman road!

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mkbobby added 15:03 - Aug 20 Great start , if we can get through the next league game with something ! then use the international break to get some of the squad back and bring another centrehalf into the club we will be on a good footing . I did say that the bookies might regret giving us a 26pts on the hcap I hope some others apart from myself helped thereselves to some of it
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StochesStotasBlewe added 16:23 - Aug 20 Thankyou ITFC. Went down with the lurgey (again) & this result really cheered me up. Great stuff.
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Geddis78 added 19:13 - Aug 20 Warmth elite, I can't argue that we all had to watch a lot of dire games last season. There were times I couldn't understand why we played the teams we did but it showed when we tried something different such as v Derby and we were 3 nil down at half time We had to stay up so as everyone rightly says, we were set up not to lose. But looking at it from the managers point of view, he lost Murphy early on. McGoldrick was injured and couldn't score when he returned. Bishop was our big hope for creativity but it didn't happen for him and Sears was off the pace. There were no other great options and it is my opinion that the manager did really well to keep us up with what was a very mediocre team. McCarthy has done incredibly well with his relatively small budget and has an eye for a player. Mingus, Fraser and Lawrence all owe a lot to him. But let's finish on a positive. Whilst we may disagree on the job McCarthy has done, let's put that aside and both be pleased that things are turning around and hopefully going in the right direction

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warktheline added 19:49 - Aug 20 @geddis, if your last post was directed at me, then I'll drink to that!👍
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