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Ipswich Town 2-1 AFC Wimbledon - Match Report
Tuesday, 20th Aug 2019 22:02

Kayden Jackson’s goal deep, deep in injury time saw Town come from behind to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon at Portman Road. The Dons went ahead via Nesta Guinness-Walker in the 41st minute in a poor first period from the Blues. But Town were much better in the second half, equalising through James Norwood in the 81st minute before Jackson smashed in the late winner.

Skipper Luke Chambers dropped to the bench as Blues boss Paul Lambert made three changes for the first ever visit of AFC Wimbledon.

James Wilson came into the back four alongside Luke Woolfenden with Janoi Donacien and Myles Kenlock the full-backs and Tomas Holy in goal.

Lambert switched to a central midfield three with Andre Dozzell making his first League One start of the season alongside Flynn Downes and Cole Skuse, who wore the captain’s armband.

In the front three, Idris El Mizouni started for the first time this season on the left with Danny Rose on the right and Norwood in the centre.

Gwion Edwards and Jackson also dropped to the bench, alongside new loanee Anthony Georgiou. Kane Vincent-Young missed out, presumably due to the toe injury he was suffering from at the weekend.

For AFC Wimbledon, ex-Blues Shane McLoughlin and Dylan Connolly were among the subs, while there was a late change of referee with Antony Coggins taking over from Robert Jones.

The first 20 minutes passed uneventfully with neither team creating an opportunity. The Blues had had spells of possession without hurting the Dons, but more of the game had been in the Town half, although with the visitors equally unable to conjure a chance against the home backline.

A short spell of head tennis on the edge of the box led to an opening for Norwood in the 29th minute, Rowe hooking the ball into the area in front of the former Tranmere man but he scuffed his strike and El Mizouni was unable to reach the loose ball ahead of Wimbledon keeper Nathan Trott.

Four minutes later, Downes chipped a cross towards Norwood from the right but beyond the Town striker.

After their slow start, the Blues gradually began to put the Dons under pressure, winning back-to-back corners in the 35th minute. From the second, Skuse headed goalwards but Trott claimed.

A minute later, they should have gone in front. Dozzell played Norwood in on goal with a trademark threaded pass and the striker seemed set to score his first goal at Portman Road but Trott stood up well and forced it wide.

The Blues seemed to be getting on top, however, it was Wimbledon who would take the lead with their first serious shot of the evening.

Following a long kick forward by Trott, Michael Folivi held off his man with his back to goal on the edge of the box, then fed Guinness-Walker, who was breaking from deep on the left unchecked, and he smashed a shot past Holy to his left.


Town were unable to create another chance before the break with the whistle greeted by loud boos from the home support.

The Blues had started slowly but seemed to be find their feet as the half moved into its final 10 minutes with Norwood’s chance one the frontman will feel he should have taken.

However, they were caught by a sucker punch with the Dons breaking and then Guinness-Walker in acres of space as he joined the attack on the left and beat Holy with his low strike.

Town needed to improve significantly in the second half and manager Lambert made one change, handing Georgiou his debut and withdrawing El Mizouni.

A minute after the restart Donacien was booked for a foul on Luke O’Neill midway inside the Town half as he challenged following a loose pass out of his area by Holy. O’Neill took the freekick himself and the ball flashed across the area beyond the Wimbledon players in the box.

The Dons continued to look the more dangerous side with a low cross from the left forced out off a visiting player by Wilson at the near post.

Georgiou forced a foul from O’Neill in the 51st minute, the Dons man joining Donacien in the book. The Cypriot international took the freekick himself and Woolfenden’s header was blocked.

Town finally started to put the Dons under pressure and on 56 Georgiou sent in a low ball from the left which Paul Kalambayi deflected to Trott, who claimed just as Norwood stabbed a foot towards it. The keeper stayed down for a moment or two and there was a bit of pushing and shoving between the Town striker and two defenders before the game continued.

Downes went close to a brilliant equaliser in the 59th minute, the midfielder rolling his man midway inside the Wimbledon half before taking it on and hitting a shot which flew only just over. Seconds later, Lambert swapped Dozzell, who had been in and out of the game, for Jackson as the Blues moved to 4-4-2.

Town, with the fans in the Sir Bobby Robson Stand getting louder by the minute, were by now encamped in the Dons half and on 61 Georgiou sent a powerful low ball across the six-yard box but with no one able to add the final touch.

The Blues claimed a penalty a minute later when Norwood fed in the pacy Jackson on the right and the striker was felled by a combination of Trott and Rod McDonald, however, the keeper grabbed the ball and referee Coggins waved away the protests. Soon after, Kalambayi was booked for a foul on Norwood.

On 64 Georgiou, who had made a big impact having come on, whipped over a freekick from the left and the ball was cleared to Downes, who shot over from just outside the box.

The Dons reminded Town that they still had defending to do at the other end in the 68th minute after Downes failed to take down Holy’s pass out of the area. Fortunately, Wilson was able to cut out the pass through to Folivi.

The Blues broke to the other end and Norwood flashed a ball across the area with no Town player again able to get a touch.

Rowe shot wide from a Downes pass a minute later, then Kenlock cut in from the left and hit a low shot which Trott claimed at the second attempt with no Town player able to get on to the loose ball.

The Blues swapped Rowe for Alan Judge, while Wimbledon replaced Folivi with Mitchell Pinnock.

On 76, Jackson’s flick sent Judge away into the area but a Wimbledon boot intervened and the ball was kicked out for the first of two corners, neither of which came to anything.

With nine minutes remaining, the Blues finally found a leveller. After a contentious corner award on the left led to Dons skipper Scott Wagstaffe picking up a yellow card for dissent, Judge sent over a deep ball and Norwood powered a header into the net at the far post to claim his first Portman Road goal and his second in two matches. For Judge, it was only his second assist since joining Town in January.

From there, with the crowd having upped the volume even further, the Blues went looking for the winner as Wimbledon replaced Kwesi Appiah with Joe Pigott.

The Town pressure was increasing as the game reached its final scheduled minute. Georgiou saw a shot blocked, then Jackson was played in by Skuse but the ball was stabbed behind.

From the corner, the ball ran loose to Woolfenden but the defender fell as he tried to divert it goalwards. It subsequently squirmed out to Skuse but his snapshot screwed out for a throw on the far side.

In five minutes of injury time, Pigott was booked for kicking the ball away as the Blues prepared to take a freekick.

And in the aftermath of the set piece, the Blues scored their winner. After a number of balls into the box were headed clear, Skuse hooked the ball over McDonald into the path of Jackson inside the area and the substitute lashed into the net to trigger wild celebrations on the field and the terraces, while manager Lambert appeared to be booked by referee Coggins after running down the touchline.

The downcast Wimbledon players tried to get themselves back on terms in the remaining moments without success and the final whistle was met by loud cheers rather than the boos of the first half.

The two periods couldn’t have contrasted more with the first as dull as they come, the Blues finding themselves behind to a poor goal.

Town took a few minutes to find their feet in the second half but once they had done so they kept the Dons pinned back in their half and eventually got their opening via Norwood’s header before finally grabbing Jackson’s winner right at the death.

It was a victory which showed great character, particularly in the wake of so many disappointments last season, the Blues having come behind to win for the first time since Swansea away in October last year.

The three points take Town up to fifth in the early season table, two points behind new leaders Blackpool ahead of Saturday’s visit to crisis club Bolton Wanderers.

Town: Holy, Donacien, Woolfenden, Wilson, Kenlock, Skuse (c), Dozzell (Jackson 60), Downes, El Mizouni (Georgiou 46), Rowe (Judge 72), Norwood. Unused: Norris, Chambers, Huws.

AFC Wimbledon: Trott, O’Neill, Thomas, McDonald, Kalambayi, Guinness-Walker, Reilly, Hartigan, Wagstaff (c), Folivi (Pinnock 72), Appiah (Pigott 86). Unused: Tzanev, Roscrow, Connolly, McLoughlin, Osew. Referee: Antony Coggins (Oxfordshire). Att: 18,778 (AFC Wimbledon: 667).


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ITFCsince73 added 23:03 - Aug 20
Skip. No ones got a problem with your opinions.
You have a problem with others opinions.
-3

Suffolkboy added 23:06 - Aug 20
It's a WIN , and 3 points will be very valuable .Winning when things are not going so well is a good trait ,& one we haven't shown for a while .
Norwood's effectiveness tally in shots on target is looking good , so if he maintains his confidence then surely experience and growing understanding and fitness will bring more confidence and better results .
Can't think PL would take WK back without some reassurance re fitness ; his techniques and football intelligence are demonstrable ,and ought to rub off on others .
Very sad to read that JD is a fish out of water at RB ( Delaney was similar on the left when he arrived ) ,but it'd be too easy to accuse P Hurst of yet another booboo , wouldn't it ?
Still we do have many to come back fit hopefully, another Tottenham loanee who seems able ,and lots of youngsters to grow and nurture .
Shame , however , we couldn't find a real hardened character to bolster this squad from somewhere in the middle of the park .
Never mind , we've all got wishes ,COYB !
3

aloanagain added 23:09 - Aug 20
I think we need to get used to teams coming here a digging in. Need to be patient as we can expect more teams coming here hoping to get a goal in front and shutting up shop. With that support how can we not go on to get winners when needed. Well played, 2nd half, Town. Support the team.
1

ITFCsince73 added 23:12 - Aug 20
Now need to go on and win 2 in a row.
Been a long time coming.
8

hogster1970 added 23:15 - Aug 20
well what a game of 2 halfs, along with most bemused with the 433 starting line up. first half was like lets play posseional football with out doing much, bit like save sex football, all foreplay and no penetration. not enough from midfield trying to hold off there man and put a decnt forward pass all to much safety first.

the rest of the first half is history, a few half time boos a first for PL, and i bet he though oh poo.

brought on george, and things slowly started to be a bit better, bring on jackson and hang on our v8 engine is now firing on 8 cylinders.

and what a finish, the atmosphere after we equalised was like portman road of old and wow when we got the winner it was like the night we beat a full strength arsenal with a ram shackled side bolted together with odds and sods when priskin scored.

plus points for me was george, he excites and looks like things will happen, downes is a cemented starter , always harrases and also shows some forward play, norwood defo needs a buddy yp top and hope he cements a paternship with jackson with kean aswell.

wolfy again prime starter, wilson play ok and done the basics, doniacian how ever was like a player knowing his days was numbered with kane in the wings, kenlock had a couple of so so games.

scuse was a general how ever and like for a few seasons now he does command the ball of the back 4 like a good DM does and should he seems to not like the ball to his feet but rather likes the interception and then may be do something with it. how ever think he can be a good CH and my prefered two in the middle would be downes and huws when he is fit,

but keep plugging away and i feel buy the next few games we can find a good settled 11 and formation and think we will do well, but wont be easy and not to be complacement.
2

Linkboy13 added 23:20 - Aug 20
To nights match was a bit like me in the pub a game of two half's. The game changed when new signing Georgiu came at last someone who could put their foot on the ball and make things happen this seem to inspire the whole team and then bringing on the extra striker. Lambert's starting line up seemed strange to me don't think he took Wimbledon very seriously he constantly says Donasien not a fullback and then plays him there and what happens Donasiens standing at centre half leaving the Wimbledon player too much space at the far post to score. Second half booked very promising though i thought Wimbledon were the poorest team we have played so far and will be struggling at the bottom this season.
1

cat added 23:30 - Aug 20
Great finish and superb win in game where sidewards passing set the tone. 3 pts in the bag so's all good, need to be more creative and a bit more direct on occasions. Not a fan of 4.4.2 system but little doubt it changed the game tonight.
2

Umros added 23:30 - Aug 20
Four four two. 4 4 2
1

Skip73 added 23:34 - Aug 20
If anybody read my post I said that Chambers days were numbered. So why the hell would I buy a Chambers shirt? Also I never said I loved the club more than anybody else. If anything that was said to me. I just stood up for myself.
2

Bluefish11 added 23:34 - Aug 20
Anyone else notice that one of the 1st time visitors names read out at half time was Mike Litorice? As for the football, more of the 2nd half please, its been years too long. League winning teams get points in the last 10 minutes, better still in injury time!
1

RobsonWark added 23:34 - Aug 20
Please don't anyone disagree with Skip73. He is the BEST Town supporter EVER!
-2

RobsonWark added 00:02 - Aug 21

From: Skip73
To: RobsonWark
Subject: How dare you!
Date: 22:56 - Aug 20 | Delete Msg
How f****** dare you assume what type of fan I am when you don't even know me!
-2

ThaiBlue added 05:54 - Aug 21
Did not see 1st half but 2nd I thought we played some good stuff and deserved the win v a negative wimbledon.like George the cypriot thought he looked very good and slick.listen a win is a win we could be having a breakfast this morning with the hump but we got the 3pts so happy like we all should be.
2

Saxonblue74 added 06:17 - Aug 21
Perhaps a little complacent in the first half from both players and PL? Definitely still searching for his best 11 but hey, we got over the line somehow! Well done lads. Skip73, watch out! You seem to be the subject of Robsonwarks new obsession!
1

Nobbysnuts added 06:20 - Aug 21
Well you got away with that one mr lambert but your team selection leaves me absolutely baffled? Did you pick it out of a hat? Strange very strange anyone would think him and mr judge had a problem???
-1

tetchris added 06:32 - Aug 21
I dont care about the performance, it's the 3 points that matters. Lets get out of this league asap and get back into the championship!
1

Dissboyitfc added 07:14 - Aug 21
we werent very good at times, thats true! but to say that was a lucky win i snot correct at all. we made hard work of it for sure but we were the better and deserved the 3 points!

We all want better and we will get better,thats for sure! Lambert got it wrong first half and maybe should be commented on but lets also compliment him for making the changes that won the game! It was his late Substitutions that lead to the goals that got Norwich promoted. I will take that all day long! I think some have forgotten what would have happened underMM, firstly he would have been too stubborn to alter things and secondly having got an equaliser he would have brought on extra defenders( if any subs were left) certainly would not have gone all out for the winner!

I for one am glad we have a manager who wants to win games trying to play football as opposed to the long ball and preserve the point all costs approach!

Now on to saturday and hopefully 3 points, but one thing is for sure we wont make it easy for ourselves!
4

tractorollson added 08:01 - Aug 21
Buzzing after last night, PL got it wrong but clearly knew that and switched it back and it paid off someting MM wouldnt of done, what a joy to wake up and the fact we fought back and won the way we did. PL has brought the feelgood factor back, stick your BCWYWF where the sun dont shine. Coyb!
1

tractorollson added 08:01 - Aug 21
Buzzing after last night, PL got it wrong but clearly knew that and switched it back and it paid off someting MM wouldnt of done, what a joy to wake up and the fact we fought back and won the way we did. PL has brought the feelgood factor back, stick your BCWYWF where the sun dont shine. Coyb!
-1

Barty added 08:10 - Aug 21
Fantastic atmosphere and result after changing to 4-4-2. Both full backs very poor. Credit to PL for changing it but it disappoints me that he started with just one striker at home. Very strong bench last night and still with others to come back so all in all things looking good - long may it continue.
1

mathiemagic added 08:15 - Aug 21
Glad that one is over, so pleased for the win but for god sake do not play 1 up front again, at least not with Norwood as he just isn't that kind of striker. Do not wait so long to realise you've made a tactical mistake as better sides would have been well out of sight. That said, if that is the kind of entertainment you get from lower league football then I am all for it. You can stick VAR and all that nonsense where the sun does not shine. Just imagine the pain if Jackson's winner was over analysed over in Stockley Park and we had to wait five minutes to see if they could find a shoe lace that was offside in the build up !!! #COYB #ITFC
4

Umros added 08:19 - Aug 21
Donacien NO NO NO. In truth both full backs are suspect!
3

19781981twtd added 08:23 - Aug 21
Dear Mr Lambert all the posters on here are not football managers but surely you as an intelligent me can see the popular consensus is you now have a squad that suits 442 there is cover in all postions please do not give us heart attacks as per your team selection for the first half last night.
Holy in goal the jury is still out
Don at right back is an accident waiting IVY must be better
Kenlock is good cover but garbutt should be there.
Wolf and Wilson look assured if not spectacular
Centre mid skuse and downes look solid.
Wide the spurs lad looks great at L1 level
Judge on the other side of he gets his head in gear
Up too Norwood and Jackson should scare most of the lumbering L1 deffenders
Players coming back and those on the fringe are great cover this squad at this level looks well ballanced it has been a long time since we could say that ! So mr Lambert you are showing passion for the club and the fans now show some common sence with you team selections you could become a blue legend and be cleansed of the Norfolk connection !!😉
COYB.
1

Barty added 08:37 - Aug 21
19781981twtd. Excellent post mate.
0

TractorClarke added 09:01 - Aug 21
I am seeing and hearing a lot of comments about always playing the best we have and two up top of jackson and norwood, i dont disagree however i suspect the reason this rotation is happening is because Lambert is scared of more injuries.

Lets not forget how many injuries we have had in recent seasons just from training, be it a knock or something like that. I for one can see why he makes these changes, it doesnt work we all know that, but i also get that we have not exactly been fortunate with injuries and luck over the last several seasons.

The future is hopefully bright though now that we have mr cyprus, kane and rb and especially keane up front. This signing especially means rotation up top will be good to give little rests to eith jackson or norwood from time to time, even if just for 45. Keane if he stays fit should be a veru good signing.

I dont condone the tactics in the first half of this game but to conclude i can see why he does it if my opinions are correct. COYBS
1


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