Aston Villa inflicted Town’s heaviest home defeat in precisely seven years as the Blues were beaten 4-0 having had Grant Ward sent off just prior to half-time. Ex-Blue Conor Hourihane put the Villans ahead on 25 and then in the second half, after Ward had been dismissed for catching Neil Taylor with a high boot, Lewis Grabban scored on 57 and 78 and sub Henri Lansbury in the 82nd minute.

Bersant Celina returned to an otherwise unchanged Town side having missed the trip to Nottingham Forest last week as he was ill, with caretaker-boss Bryan Klug in charge at Portman Road for the first time.

The on-loan Manchester City man came into the side for Ben Morris, who dropped out of the 18, and lined-up just off main striker Martyn Waghorn.

For Villa, ex-Blue Hourihane and Birkir Bjarnason came into the team for Robert Snodgrass, who was among the subs, and Jonathan Kodjia, who was injured.

Town, with pop star Ed Sheeran watching from the stand, created the first chance of the game in the fourth minute when Waghorn found Ward was a cross-field pass. As a Villa defender slipped, the right wing-back crossed and the ball reached Myles Kenlock in space beyond the far post but the left wing-back scuffed well wide when he had a good opportunity to net his first senior goal.

Villa first threatened on 13 when Hourihane sent over a freekick which Bartosz Bialkowski punched as he was foul by Mile Jedinak. The keeper looked to take a knock on the hip but was OK to carry on.

As the game approached the 20-minute mark Jordan Spence’s cross from the right eventually found Tristan Nydam, who teed-up Jonas Knudsen, but the Danish international’s shot was blocked. Nydam subsequently whipped over another cross but ahead of his team-mates.

In the 21st minute Hourihane struck a powerful effort from distance which stand-in skipper Cole Skuse deflected over.

While Villa had had most of the ball, Town had looked the more dangerous side but in the 25th minute the visitors took the lead in slightly fortuitous circumstances.

Lewis Grabban cut in from the left and hit a shot which deflected of Skuse and struck Bialkowski’s right post. The ball rebounded straight to Hourihane, who tapped home his 11th goal of the season from close range.

Town looked to hit straight back, Ward broke away on the left of the box but his low cross was cut out.

Hourihane curled a freekick over at the other end in the 40th minute with chances rare at both ends.

Two minutes later, the Blues were reduced to 10 men when Ward was sent off for catching Taylor with a high boot. The dismissal seemed a touch harsh on the former Spurs man as his eyes were firmly on the ball as he looked to take it down on the turn from a Luke Hyam header and inadvertently caught the Villa left-back with his studs.

One or two Villa players tried to rather unnecessarily square up to Ward before referee Simon Hooper issued his card and the disconsolate Ward made his way along the touchline to the tunnel.

There was little of note in the remaining minutes - aside from boos directed towards Taylor - before the break.

The half-time scoreline was tough on the Blues who had been looked the more dangerous side prior to the goal.

Going by the letter of the law the red card may have been justified as Ward caught Taylor well up his leg, however, there was no malice and he was trying to take the ball down rather than make a tackle. There was certainly no intention to injure the Villa player.

The Blues, who had switched to a 4-4-1 system for the remaining minutes of the half, had an uphill battle if they were going to take anything from the game in the second period.

Villa’s Birkir Bjarnason scuffed wide three minutes after the restart, then Josh Onomah hit a low effort which Bialkowski, named Town’s Player of the Year for the third season in a row earlier in the afternoon, tipped wide.

Celina made way for Freddie Sears in the 56th minute with Villa having had most of the ball since the break but without creating a serious chance.

But within a minute they had doubled their lead. The ball was played into Grabban’s feet on the right of the box, the former Norwich man turned his man and hit a shot to Bialkowski’s right and into the net off the inside of the post.

Waghorn hit a low effort which Villa keeper Sam Johnstone claimed with little trouble on the hour, but the visitors were dominating and looking likely to add to their lead.

On 62 Bjarnason shot wide from distance on the right, then three minutes later Villa, keen to improve their goal difference as they continue to target an automatic promotion spot, swapped Taylor for striker Scott Hogan.

Spence made a strong run from deep in the 66th minute and threaded through a pass which was only just beyond Waghorn.

Three minutes later, Bjarnason smashed into the side-netting to Bialkowski’s right, then Nydam was replaced by Callum Connolly for the Blues, Hourihane by Henri Lansbury for Villa and then, after Onomah had shot wide, Hyam by Ben Folami for Town.

Villa made it 3-0 in the 78th minute when Skuse was sold short by Carter-Vickers five yards outside the area on the Town left and Onomah stole possession. The on-loan Tottenham man fed Grabban, who lashed his second of the game into the net, again off the inside of Bialkowski’s right post.

Villa’s fourth of the game came only four minutes later. Bjarnason crossed from the left and the untracked Lansbury headed home from close range.

The Midlanders continued to look for more goals, Hogan shooting not too far wide in the final scheduled minute, then in injury time the former Brentford man shot over on the turn.

But the scoreline remained at 4-0, Town’s heaviest home loss since the 5-1 defeat to Norwich, coincidentally seven years ago to the day.

Despite having gone behind the Blues were very much in the game until the red card. From there it was always going to be tough for Town against one of the division’s top sides, however, caretaker-manager Klug won’t be pleased with the manner in which some of the goals were conceded.

Town, who are now 14th, play their final away game at Reading next Saturday before Middlesbrough visit Portman Road on the final day of the season, a fortnight tomorrow.

Villa: Johnstone, Elmohamady, Chester, Jedinak, Taylor (Hogan 65), Bjarnason, Hourihane (Lansbury 74), Whelan, Onomah, Grealish, Grabban (Adomah 83). Unused: Bunn, Samba, Snodgrass, Bree.

Town: Bialkowski, Spence, Carter-Vickers, Knudsen, Ward, Skuse (c), Hyam (Folami 76), Nydam (Connolly 74), Kenlock, Celina (Sears 56), Waghorn. Unused: M Crowe, Gleeson, Carayol, Smith. Referee: Simon Hooper (Wiltshire). Att: 20,034 (Villa: 1,981).

Photo: TWTD

foot_kick_ball_goal added 14:29 - Apr 22 I think it is very worrying to see that certain supporters are now turning their negative attention onto the players in McCarty's absence. With several comments focusing on how our players are not good enough or that MM's signings were rubbish. Putting MM's tactics, style of play etc aside to look at some of the players who we actually own: In goal we have Bart... I dare someone to say he is not good enough... Defense we have players like Spence, Webster, Chambers and Knudsen. I find Webster an interesting prospect who will become a very solid CB in the future. Chambers is, when playing well also solid in the middle. Knudsen and Spence are both capable and also able to chip in with goals and assists. Midfield we have players such as Dozzel, Huws, Bishop, Skuse, Adayemi, Nydam, Downes and Ward. Certainly not bereft of quality in that list AND it is a youthful setup which bodes well for the future. Up front... Waghorn, Garner and McGoldrick. Particularly the first 2 have been excellent signings; but when the latter is in form he is excellent. We also have young players like Folami, Morris and Drinian coming through. Regardless how you feel about him; it is plainly unfair to say his signings have been poor. Most of these players have either been bought in by McCarthy or have been brought through to the first team under his tenure. Starting to snipe at the team is not going to help; only demoralise further and make PR a horrible place for them to play in the coming season. Ultimately I feel that the biggest problem the club has had is injuries and a lack of communication between club and fans. I will always wonder what could have been had everyone just mentioned stayed fit all season (particularly the midfield), but I think that there should have been much more of a dialogue with the fans to keep everyone up to date on what was going on and a degree of honesty as to what the major injuries to our playmakers actually meant for our season. Pisspoor management in that respect; but I can't for one second question the signings or call the current team a shambles in need of replacing.

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Lightningboy added 15:27 - Apr 22 Nobody appreciates the “job” Skuse does for the team....well try watching their 3rd and 4th goals...was he half asleep or already on his holidays? Nowhere near good enough.
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cat added 16:05 - Apr 22 Lightningboy - yeah noticed that myself, very much the case of Skusey ‘ball watching' Gcon - good constructive post, few can argue against your points referring to the board. It will be interesting to see what M.E says in his forthcoming interview. I suspect there won't be much bad news coming out of this. M.E will invest this summer, he has too, if not, then we're in the ‘proverbial' as they say. On the continuing M.M shenanigans (yawn) I think he was well aware that there was a limited budget when he signed that contract, probably why he never complained about it. As for the football MM played being down to that limited budget, nonsense. I could argue you on that one all day long, but you know what, I simply can't be arsed. 👌 Like it or not, we are where we are, embrace it and be positive. I personally think attendance will drastically rise come the start of the new season, but we'll see.

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warktheline added 16:10 - Apr 22 @gcon, I can see and fully appreciate your point of 'blame'! It's more than problematic and extremely worrying, but nonetheless McCarthy is far from 'blameless' in your analyse! Obviously not going to rein-act McCarthy's tenure, but surely it was time for a new perspective and direction! Mid table and total obscurity is by no means the way forward! There's someone out there itching to reignite this club regardless of restraints and circumstances, that I'm sure of! Positivity needs to replace negativity, discontent to remove complacency, and self belief over doubt!

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Swn98 added 16:24 - Apr 22 Bluebore the two buttons are if you agree with the post press up if you disagree you press down. As most of the time your posts are attacking people whether connected to the management players or supporters you will get a down simple isn't it, as I'm led tof believe you are of advancing years perhaps your contribution could be more positive as our club faces some difficult times ahead.

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Northstandveteran added 16:43 - Apr 22 Seriously considered going yesterday. Then fortunately remembered I had more sense than money.
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NoelTheDub added 16:47 - Apr 22 Hear lies the problem with our once great club,Jewel, Keane, and McCarthy all icing on a pretty rotten cake.Mr Klug and Co have a huge mess to sort out so our results under his tenure are meaningless because our squad is very ordinary at best.We as I've said many times are in tatters as a club and that starts with the boards lack of interest in playing proper football at PR also they are happy just to be floating around the mid table in the championship managers and players come to this club and get into a comfort zone with no real pressure on them to perform to the standards that are except able to supporters continuous loanees that are just passing through or using us as a rehabilitation clinic.Bad decisions on many things have damaged our club and we are in for tough times in my view we have to get hungry players and a manager that has to prove himself play football on grass for a change we might have to go backwards to archive this in the future but that the huge hole this club is in caused by some of those factors.

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1RWR added 17:42 - Apr 22 foot_kick_ball_goal Nice piece that, well thought out. Add to your list, the likes of Kenlock-Emmanuel-Wolfenden-Cotter-Folami etc etc I think we have an exciting squad for next season. I'd settle for 15th next season, 10th the season after & top 6 in season three. As long as we see signs of improvement season on season, I believe the majority will be happy. The future is bright the future is ITFC.

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Dog added 18:23 - Apr 22 Bluebell does not go to portman road. She watches the highlights on channel 5. She then trolls pretty much everyone on here without giving any opinion - for example, now mick has gone who does she want as manager. Never said and i suspect never will. Never an insightful comment just trolling. As for dog by nature - yeah i suppose i am. Most dogs are fairly loyal.
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Seasider added 18:35 - Apr 22 Rather belated comments from me,havin been to hospital today,nothing to do with game lol. Good weather,good crowd;ok 1st half until sending off.Wards tackle over the ball was a leg breaker which deserved a red.Hope nobody on here has said otherwise. Went to pieces 2nd half,and the inadequacy of the fit players in the squad bequeathed by McCarthy was very evident. Too light up front,overrun in midfield with same MM players there;and defence a shambles.Surprised Cotter wasn't given a chance at right wing back,as clearly Ward isn't up to it in that position. No doubt some on here have said that a month ago we wouldn't have lost by such a large margin,and they are right. Bet Mick has a satisfied smile on his face,as Ipswich suffered their worst home defeat for 7 years,and who can blame him. Only plus point was that the crowd stayed onside,which wouldn't happen at many grounds,after a display like that.

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Cheshire_Blue added 18:42 - Apr 22 The so called 'Happy Clappy' brigade will be proved right. Mick leaves and we suffer our biggest defeat at home for SEVEN years. Just an indication of the ignorance and lack of respect shown by the anti MM keyboard warriors. Such a lot to learn about this game of football.
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warktheline added 19:19 - Apr 22 Shocking to read how 'happy' some are that we lost! Cheshire Cat and co!!!! Do you really 'want ' to be proved. 'Right ' ?.......let me tell you now, you won't be!
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blueboy1981 added 19:38 - Apr 22 warktheline ......... they call themselves 'real supporters' and have the gall to slate me, for pointing this out to them. All they are - is MM supporters - NOT true, or 'real Ipswich Town supporters'. Like it , or not, I'll keep reminding them of such too. Minus munchers - hit the button - we know what, and who to expect it from. Same old ..... !!!
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blueboy1981 added 19:40 - Apr 22 Best wishes to you Seasider - here's to Good Health.
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blueboy1981 added 19:45 - Apr 22 Dog .......... how about a visit to the Vets - before it gets too serious. Stating false - is a serious illness. Apart from attending Portman Road - about time you read posts correctly, in so doing you WILL SEE that I have already said, more than once, who I would like to see as our next Manager. Get what you print correct - or why bother ?
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runningout added 20:00 - Apr 22 MM liked the defensive side of our game. It got mundane watching our players sit back from minute one with little intention or flair to create. It will take a lot of change to transform our great club, although possible :-)
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Gcon added 20:03 - Apr 22 He's right, Blueboy, and you know it. I don't recall a single valid post from you, one that carried a considered opinion or view. Just antagonistic, hypocritical bile.
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wayway added 20:57 - Apr 22 I agree with Gcon about the owner, but if we did have different owners McCarthy would have been out on his ear 2 years ago
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Dog added 21:40 - Apr 22 Bluebell - i stand corrected and apologise. After going through 5 and a half pages of your past trolls and one other comment i came across Maurice Steijn.
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Razor added 10:38 - Apr 23 Lets get back to basics----the Ipswich Town job is still a fantastic job in football and very rarely comes up. I think it may attract some big hitters, hence the delay, and just hope Mr Evans makes the right choice this time. I am optimistic for our future if the basics can be put in place. COME ON YOU BLUES!!
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Seasider added 14:36 - Apr 23 Thank you for your good wishes Blueboy. Had never been to hospital until 10 years ago..Not been back since until Feb;but have had 8 visits since including ops. As in mid seventies have been very lucky to remain in good health,and witness the Ipswich journey from Ramsey to Klug.Have renewed season ticket for next year so hope to be there to cheer the lads on in the new era

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blueboy1981 added 16:41 - Apr 23 Seasider - all best wishes to you health wise - and lets all hope you can attend Portman Road for many seasons to come. Lets all look forward to better things in 2018.
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blueboy1981 added 16:46 - Apr 23 Dog ........ apology accepted - now man up and apologise for having to use the word troll. Maybe that's a step to far for you, as well as eating humble pie. One can always hope, but not expect too much from some.
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blueboy1981 added 16:51 - Apr 23 Gcon ...... you really need to self access - before casting aspersions in other directions. Your problem, not mine. If it was I'd deal with it. Carry on posting in the same vane that gets that support of yours - What Support ? - that alone would tell most people something...... !!!!!!!!!!! Easy answer, but maybe too easy - DON'T READ MY POSTS.
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Swn98 added 17:48 - Apr 23 Trouble is Bluebore they are hard to miss as there are so many of them also bit like London buses they come in threes.
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