Much to the chagrin of Rams fans and no doubt Nigel Clough – former manager Paul Jewell got the better of his old club courtesy of a controversial goal.
D. Webb (Delayed Reactions)
Attendance:
17,256 (579 Travelling Rams)
The Teams:
The Tractor Boys:
Lee-Barrett, Edwards, Sonko, Collins, Cresswell, Martin I(Carson 90’), Andrews, Bowyer, Murphy, Chopra (Emmanuel-Thomas 71’), Scotland (Bullard 82’).
Unused Substitutes: Wright, Wabara.
Goals: Andrews (46’)
The Rams:
Fielding, Green, Barker, Shackell, Roberts, Brayford (Tyson 82’), Bailey (Robinson 64’), Hendrick (B Davies 90’), Bryson, Ward, Ball.
Unused Substitutes: Legzdins, O'Brien.
Yellow Cards: Bailey, Ward
Match Stats: Ipswich - Derby
Possession: 54% - 46%
Shots On Target: 6 - 6
Shots Off Target: 5 - 5
Corners: 6-5
Fouls: 9 – 9
Most Fouls: Chopra (2) - Ball (2)
Match Summary:
Ipswich had not kept a clean sheet in their last 8 matches but the Rams continued their habit of playing strugglers into form when they allowed the Blues to rectify that record.
Ipswich keeper Lee-Barrett was tested by the Rams in the first half but held firm from both a well struck Jamie Ward attempt and an impressive double save when Bryson's initial shot was tipped away. Jamie Ward was on hand to gather the crumbs but the Blues keeper had the poise to recover and once again save the on target follow up.
The Rams had the better of the first half - but as has been the case for much of the season – very little to show for it.
29 seconds into the second half Keith Andrews met Aaron Cresswell's cross and headed at goal before Brayford cleared the ball.
Referee Webb was unsure if the ball had crossed the line before Brayford cleared and allowed play to continue for a short time before stopping proceedings to speak to his assistant after Ipswich players protested.
Although there had been no flag at the time – it seems after the chat it was now clear it had been a goal. The Rams players were none too happy and although it appears the ball did cross the line it seems the players and fans made the decision more – so than the referee. Although a shambles and badly handled - luckily this time the decision seems to have been the correct one.
The Tractor Boys could have made it two when Fielding saved well from a Lee Martin long-range effort while Ibrahima Sonko should have done better when he only managed to head a good chance over the bar. Jimmy Bullard also could have scored with a bit more luck but his scorching drive was blocked when it smashed into Jeff Hendrick's back.
The Rams did little to suggest they would equalise or produce a come from behind win as they did last weekend, with only a few half chances, they instead slipped to their 6th defeat in 8 matches.
Official Match Reports:
DCFC Official Site Match Report
ITFC Official Site Match Report
Manager’s Reaction:
Nigel Clough preferred to focus on what his team is doing wrong rather than goal mouth decisions:
"It's incredibly frustrating to put in a performance like that and come away with nothing to show for it. We worth a point at least, especially for how we played in the first half. We could have gone in two goals up at the break on another day and I think we had the best chances of the game, on reflection."
"If we'd got a goal early on, I think we'd have really kicked on and won the game. Once again I think we have fallen the wrong side of the fine line between winning and losing a game in the Championship."
"I thought we had a great chance to keep our first clean sheet for three months today, but we let another poor goal in. We're disappointed to lose the unbeaten run as well. I know it was only two games but we wanted to get into the habit of not losing games again."
Clough went on to discuss the controversial goal:
"We couldn't see from our angle if the ball had crossed the line but the biggest frustration for all of us was that we played on for a good five seconds, maybe more before a decision was reached."
"We can't do anything about it now from that point of view, but we could have done more to prevent it. It's an important time of the season and we've got two great matches coming up at Pride Park."
"To have two home games against sides gunning for promotion is a great challenge for us and we're looking forward to them both. With the games coming quickly it means the squad will have a big part to play."
Derby County vs. Leeds United
Pride Park Stadium
1pm Boxing Day – Sunday December 26th