Town’s wait for a derby victory over rivals Norwich City continues after a 2-2 draw at Portman Road. Nathan Broadhead put the Blues in front in the 34th minute, the home side having spurned a number of earlier chances, but Jonathan Rowe equalised against the run of play five minutes before the break and then put the visitors in front four minutes after the restart. Wes Burns smashed in a leveller for Town on the hour but the Blues were unable to find a winner in the final half hour.

Town boss Kieran McKenna, celebrating the second anniversary of his appointment as Blues manager, made four changes from the team which won 2-1 at Watford on Tuesday.

Harry Clarke returned at right-back with fellow local boy Luke Woolfenden at right centre-half, while Burns and Broadhead are back in the three behind striker George Hirst.

Former Canaries loanee Brandon Williams, Axel Tuanzebe, Omari Hutchinson and Marcus Harness dropped to the bench having started at Vicarage Road.

Norwich made two changes from the team which beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 on Wednesday with Jack Stacey and Sam McCallum taking over from Kellen Fisher, who is among the subs, and Dimitrios Giannoulis, who missed out on a place in the 20. Former Blues academy midfielder Liam Gibbs was on the bench.

Town, with their fans in fine voice both before and after kick-off, dominated the early stages with the Canaries making their intentions to sit back and frustrate clear from the off.

The Blues threatened for the first time in the seventh minute when Cameron Burgess nodded a Sam Morsy free-kick from the right over the bar.

On nine, Norwich striker Ashley Barnes was very fortunate to avoid a yellow card for going through the back of Town keeper Vaclav Hladky with the ball already out of play. Referee Josh Smith felt a talking-to was sufficient.

A minute later, Borja Sainz jumped into Clarke as they went for an aerial ball and rolled around on the ground holding his face. However, referee Smith had already awarded a free-kick to Town and clearly wasn’t fooled in the slightest.

Town should have gone ahead in the 20th minute. As Norwich started to show some attacking intentions for the first time, the Blues picked their way through them, Burns initially hitting a low cross-shot which was blocked.

The ball came back to Burns and was played inside, before Broadhead skipped his way past defenders into the area and had only Angus Gunn in the Norwich goal to beat but clipped the ball wide of the far post with most of Portman Road already starting their celebrations.

Town continued to look a threat and a minute later, Burns crossed deep from the right to Leif Davis breaking on the left of the box from where the full-back struck a powerful shot which was straight at Gunn.

On 23, Broadhead had another chance to put the Blues in front. Burns again supplied the cross from the right but slightly behind the Welshman, who dug it out and struck an effort which flew just past the same post.

Five minutes later, Town had another great chance to go in front. Norwich were caught in possession trying to play it out from the back and Hirst fed Burns in space to his right on the edge of the box but the Wales international smashed his shot well over.

Norwich hit their first effort of the game in the 29th minute, Marcelino Nunez’s effort deflecting wide off a Town player after a corner had been cleared.

From the subsequent flag-kick, the ball reached Sam McCallum in space on the right of the box but his low shot - which looked on target - was blocked. A minute later, Sainz hit over from 20 yards.

The Canaries had started to threaten for the first time, but in the 34th minute the Blues finally scored the goal their overall superiority had deserved.

Town broke following a Norwich corner through Chaplin, who did brilliantly to beat his man and feed Hirst bursting into the right of the box. Shane Duffy stabbed it out for the Blues’ first corner of the game, from which they went in front.

The ball came in from the right, it was headed out, Luongo nodded back in from the edge of the box, Hirst knocked down to Broadhead, who this time slammed his opportunity into the net to claim his eighth goal of the season and to send Portman Road wild.

But Town’s lead would last only five minutes. The ball was sent back in from the right after a cross from the left had flashed across the box and Rowe struck an overhead kick against Woolfenden. The ball fell back to the Norwich forward, who shot past Hladky, to send the away fans into raptures. Video replays suggested Rowe might have been offside as the cross came back in.

The Blues set about restoring their lead in what remained of the half and in the first of three added on minutes, Hirst chipped a ball forward into the area for Broadhead, but the Welshman failed to make a decent contact under pressure and scuffed wide.

That was the last chance of a first half in which the Blues had done enough to have been well ahead prior to Norwich’s leveller.

After the game got off to a slowish start, Town took control against a Norwich side happy to sit back.

The Blues created a number of chances from which they should have taken the lead before Broadhead took the third of three which had fallen to him.

At the other end, Norwich had created little but some hesitant defending in the Blues backline allowed the Canaries their equaliser.

Four minutes after the restart, from the half’s first penalty area action, the Canaries went in front.

A long throw from the right was knocked down by Adam Idah to Rowe, who hit a low shot which caught Davis’s heel and beat Hladky, whose vision was blocked by Barnes, who looked in an offside position.

Town went about getting themselves back on terms in a match which really ought to have been won via their first-half chances.

On 52, Chaplin went close with a shot which clearly struck a defender and deflected wide, although referee Smith awarded a goal-kick.

Four minutes later, Burgess looped a header not to far over the bar from a corner on the right.

The nerves around Portman Road were palpable with the Canaries continuing to frustrate the Blues but right on the hour, Town levelled.

Morsy took the ball off a Norwich player midway inside the visitors’ half and moved it on to Broadhead, who skipped forward before playing to Chaplin to his right, who in turn fed Burns, who smashed a low shot past Gunn to his right and into the net, the Welshman’s third goal of the season.

Portman Road heaved a huge sigh of relief as the Blues went about looking for the game’s fifth goal.

On 69, Burgess again rose highest in the box at a corner but once more sent the ball looping over. Before the restart, Norwich swapped goalscorer Rowe for Onel Hernandez.

Four minutes later, Luongo hit across a shot from 25 yards having been teed-up by Morsy, the ball screwing well wide, then in the 75th minute, Chaplin curled a shot just over after the Town captain had been fouled five yards outside the area.

On 77, Burns was shown the first Blues yellow card for a foul, although Chaplin had been upended earlier in the passage of play with Town having gained no advantage.

Within seconds of being booked, Burns joined Chaplin in making way for Harness and Hutchinson.

The on-loan Chelsea man immediately made an impact, getting round the outside of his man on the right and drilling over a cross which was blocked.

Town continued to prod and probe looking for an opening and on 87, Broadhead curled a shot towards Gunn’s left corner but the keeper did well to get across to palm it away. Hutchinson was first to the loose ball but at too tight an angle to finish and opportunity was eventually snuffed out.

Norwich made a triple change in the 88th minute as they sought to see the game out, Danny Baath, Tony Springett and Przeyslaw Placheta taking over from McCallum, Idah and Sainz.

With the game now in six additional minutes, Town replaced Hirst, Luongo and Broadhead for Kayden Jackson, Jack Taylor and Dane Scarlett.

Deep in injury time, there was a minor dust-up between Woolfenden and Hernandez which saw the Town defender booked. From the resultant free-kick, Norwich skipper Kenny McLean shot over.

That was the final action of a frustrating derby from Town’s perspective. The Blues had enough chances to have had the game won in the first half prior to Broadhead’s opener. But then conceded two poor’y defended goals either side of the break before Burns’s leveller.

Town, whose last home draw was the game with Sheffield Wednesday which ended in the same scoreline in February, controlled the game from there but without finding the opportunity from which they would be able to grab a winner.

The Blues’ long wait for a derby win continues, their last victory remains the April 2009 3-2 success under Jim Magilton, with the teams set to meet again at Carrow Road in April.

Town remain second in the table, still 10 points ahead of Leeds following their 1-1 draw at home to Coventry later in the afternoon.

Town: Hladky, Clarke, Woolfenden, Burgess, Davis, Morsy (c), Luongo (Taylor 91), Burns (Hutchinson 78), Chaplin (Harness 78), Broadhead (Scarlett 91), Hirst (Jackson 91). Unused: Walton, Tuanzebe, Williams, Ladapo.

Norwich: Gunn, Stacey, Duffy, McLean (c), McCallum (Batth 88), Sara, Nuñez, Rowe (Hernandez 69), Sainz (Placheta 88), Barnes, Idah (Springett 88). Unused: Long, Gibbs, Fassnacht, Forshaw, Fisher. Referee: Josh Smith (Bedfordshire). Att: 29,611 (Norwich: 2,004).

Photo: Action Images

barrystedmunds added 09:12 - Dec 17 The one day we needed our shooting boots on and we were a little off the pace. That’s not a criticism it’s just football. It happens; look at Leeds with Coventry! The great unwashed willl know they were taken to the cleaners and deserved nothing, but again, that’s football. We have far bigger fish to fry and the next two games are of huge significance given that they both are premiership squads playing in the wrong league in their minds. Saying all that, I would have taken draws against Coventry and Plymouth for the win!!!!!

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bobble added 09:34 - Dec 17 i would be happy if we drew the next 5 games 2-2 if leeds draw theirs 1-1... good result today , treading water is always superior to sinking...sound like we could have won easily with a little luck.....well done town...
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carlgibbs13 added 10:39 - Dec 17 Obviously disappointed. But that’s football. But there’s always a silver lining. With the points difference at the moment, a win at Carrow Road could be the win that sends us to the premiership…..??
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BarleyBoy added 10:56 - Dec 17 Agree hyperbrit - Wolfie simply not good enough. Seems far too casual & clearly has an inflated opinion on his abilities. I find it frustrating how he brings the game to a halt repeatedly….stands there like a proud peacock in the middle, foot on the ball, dilly-dallies only to then pass sideways & short again………..Tuanzebe’s a better partner to Burgess & moves the ball more purposefully

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Warky81 added 11:57 - Dec 17 How the lino didn't flag Rowe 1st goal as offside beggars belief. He was laying offside on the floor when the 2nd cross came back in gets up and immediately plays overhead kick, then pokes home the block. Also big question on 2nd goal as Barnes was in offside position and arguably interfering with keepers line of sight. We should have won it with more clinical finishing and better officiating today it would have been another victory. Still Leeds drawing as well and hopefully WBA beating Leicester tomorrow it'll be a point gained rather than 2 lost.

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Gforce added 11:57 - Dec 17 Bobble.......I think Southampton would be very happy if we drew the next five 2-2 !!
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shortmarine1969 added 14:31 - Dec 17 I also totally agree about Woolfy far to often kills progress dead, followed by a pointless 10 yard pass. just to get it back, he simply allows teams to re-set. We need better ability taking it out than that. Sorry to say Hirst not good enough either need shots on target from a line striker, aware he also brings others into game but that is poor at times also, not saying he does not put in a hard shift he does and can't fault him there, simply not quite good enough for me !!

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blueboy1981 added 15:07 - Dec 17 Nomore4 - on the Terraces at Portman Road before you were even thought of, according to your immature comments !!
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Tractorboy58 added 15:59 - Dec 17 We should of won - I think we need to strengthen at the back and time for Walton to have a run in the team
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Cadiar added 17:02 - Dec 17 Further to Blueboy's denial re getting rid of KM I have to point out he has serious problems with the truth. I qoute from his comment after the 0-0draw with Bristol Rovers, "Seriously-McKenna needs to go, he is too inexperienced to get from this Squad what it is (or should be)capable of. Credit to him for assembling it-but that is where his capability has ended, he is clearly stumped as to what to do with it". So Blueboy, not only are you probably the most negative commentator, the stupidest but also a liar. FACT!

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Cadiar added 17:19 - Dec 17 I wonder why RobsonWark is so anti Woolfie. Not the 1st time he has done this, Woolfie was hardly to blame, something personal going on or just a saddo having a hissy fit?
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blueboy1981 added 17:33 - Dec 17 Cadiar - I think you should be more concerned as to when/if we will actually beat NCFC again ! Will we ever have a better chance ? - just to remind a few Hissy Fits like you - we Failed again on Home Soil …. !! Fact ! - we f#cked up undeniably, when some of YOU were predicting a complete ‘thrashing’ of them on the Cards ! Embarrassed now, or What ?? I suggest in future ‘stum’ until the Final Whistle !!

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cfmoses added 18:40 - Dec 17 Just watched the goalless draw at Anfield. Scared me a bit. The game was played at twice the pace we play and the technical skill was way above the Championship. We might not be ready. The January window might prove crucial. We will need to make our playing decisions 50% quicker and we have several players not capable of that.
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DerryfromBury added 19:08 - Dec 17 Thought I'd let the dust settle and leave it 24hours after the game before posting, however, Mariner1974 and barrystedmunds you have both summarised the game perfectly. Thanks both. On another unconnected point. It was a shame to hear about the minor fracas outside the ground involving the car carrying the NCFC joint shareholders Delia Smith, Michael Wynn Jones, and a handful of people. Regardless of the rivalry between both sets of supporters, this is not the expected behaviour towards 2 OAP's . I'm sure the club once they've reviewed what actually happened, will, if they haven't yet done so make the necessary apologies to those concerned, and take the appropriate action against any of those involved who are found out to be supporters of ITFC. From what I have seen it appears the Police didn't cover themselves in any glory.

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pioneerman66 added 19:34 - Dec 17 We should not be too downbeat. They played liked a smaller league 1 side against us last season. They came to defend for a draw and got lucky to take the lead, but not good enough to keep it. Maybe at their place their fans will not want to see 90 mins defending. At least they get to keep Wagner and his McCarthy style of football based on this result.
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Cadiar added 22:59 - Dec 17 What are you on Blueboy? You're a liar, we know that, your remarks are irrelevant & bizarre. Suggesting I threw a beer can now on about keeping stum until the final whistle & predicting a hammering for Narwich. You need to take yourself in hand, probably do that most of the time anyway. So you've denied saying KM should have gone, it's there for everyone to see along with so many negative comments that it makes me think you're not a supporter but a failure of Care in the Community. Go away.

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Cadiar added 22:59 - Dec 17 What are you on Blueboy? You're a liar, we know that, your remarks are irrelevant & bizarre. Suggesting I threw a beer can now on about keeping stum until the final whistle & predicting a hammering for Narwich. You need to take yourself in hand, probably do that most of the time anyway. So you've denied saying KM should have gone, it's there for everyone to see along with so many negative comments that it makes me think you're not a supporter but a failure of Care in the Community. Go away.

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ibisblue added 03:11 - Dec 18 21 point gap ahead of Norwich retained... yes we're all a bit deflated, but on to Leeds and lets keep spirits up! COYB!
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Europablue added 08:46 - Dec 18 I wonder who I will trust more to decide whether Wolfenden and Hirst should be in the team, the guy who masterminded a promotion and has led us to an unprecedented first half of the season or some random poster on a fansite...
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Linkboy13 added 10:05 - Dec 18 Have to comment on the poor standard of refereeing on Saturday. In the early stages of the game Norwich got away with foul after foul but because it was early in the game they got away with it. Ipswich then later in the game committed similar fouls so the referee decided i better clamp down on this and booked two Ipswich players this is very weak refereeing. Norwich amazingly had no players booked Ipswich had two.

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Europablue added 10:20 - Dec 18 Linkboy13 It's really difficult to evaluate the performance of the referee. He clearly had the idea in mind of not booking too harshly early on to avoid a lot of yellow cards and reds. I get the thinking of that, but the consistency between matches is something that is very important and not really something that is taken seriously enough. Lack of consistency of refereeing styles undermines the fairness of the whole competition. If it is a yellow card offense, then it doesn't matter what time it is during the match or whether one side is getting the yellows. What was very fortunate is that Morsy didn't receive the booking he deserved. Overall though it doesn't suit our style of play to allow every bad foul to go unpunished. If Barnes was on a yellow and a few others, then they would have been more wary and perhaps that would have opened things up for us. What I also generally like is when referees play the advantage, but that led to Norwich's first goal, so really that should have been brought back to the earlier foul. I thought that the linesman or linesmen had a terrible match, both Norwich goals were offside. I'd say that the ref was fairly decent aside from that bad foul on Hladky which was a borderline red card but the ref didn't even give a yellow, and the fact that his refereeing style tipped the balance towards the team that didn't want to play football.

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JewellintheTown added 10:59 - Dec 18 Mixed feelings after letting the weekend sink in. On form, we "should" have won, expected (dreamed) to win and some bad luck and some moments of poor performance aside, didn't deserve to draw, but hey ho. Norwich played better than I expected and neutralised a few key players and rode their luck. Love the Ipswich born/fan passion of Wolfie & Clarke but were left wanting at a few key moments. Cant argue with their full blue passion, love for the club and living the occasion but would have liked to have seen a stronger defence. Couldn't have not played them both though although Williams would have had a score to settle too. On a positive note, a brilliant crowd (minus the few pre-match numptys that got a little too carried away against the Norwich players, fans and Delia that might have actually inspired them instead of the intended opposite), some excellent performances, we didn't lose, we scored and played them off the park in moments, just lacked that final finish. Norwich did their homework - Chaplin and Burns neutralised but still managed a decent performance. Broadhead & a few others missed out on being the heroes. Don't think the wheels will fall off the Tractor, but think we all need a boost after the result, so we as fans need to be 100% behind everyone at the club. Scores to settle and end of season results will be when we do. COYB - Big games ahead!

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dirtydingusmagee added 11:32 - Dec 18 so many saying Woolfenden isnt good enough for Championship ! they obviously feel they know better than McKenna ! . He does have his dodgy moments , but all players do. If he was consistently bad do these people really think he would be in the team in 2nd place? I'll stick with McKenna's decisions . Too many on here fantasize about their managerial skills. Stick to the X BOX.

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Flamencaman added 11:56 - Dec 18 My eyesight is not great but surely the first goal was offside ? I know I only have a cameras view but , and the second was iffy and they got a kind deflection, another day B-roads would of been celebrating 4 goals, but hey no damage done there’s not one of us surely are not living in dreamworld with start and performances of our Teamthis year it’s been phenomenal so many great performances, it’s been raining goals,many are goal of the season contenders Happy Xmas one and all

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TimmyH added 12:07 - Dec 18 I'm too old to play on X box or PS4/5 :)...but I'm going on what I see, our central defence is our biggest weakness, I'm not saying their not good enough for the Championship but that's the main part of the starting 11 that needs to be addressed if we do have designs on the Premiership.
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