We look at five talking points coming out of Ipswich Town’s 1-1 home draw with Preston.
Suspect refereeing decisions
Both teams’ managers believe their side deserved penalties they weren’t given, with the Blues’ claim looking particularly strong. While Joe Garner’s tumble under light pressure from Christophe Berra was always a long shot, Paul Huntington appeared to put hands on the ball while lying on the floor as Luke Hyam’s second-half shot came in.
Preston were perhaps unlucky to have a second-half ‘goal’ from Ben Pearson chalked off for offside, too, with Jonas Knudsen appearing to play Pearson and Eoin Doyle onside.
Things could have been very different.
Giving yourself work to do
For the second time this week, Ipswich gave away an early goal and spent the remainder of the game playing catch-up. Sadly on this occasion there was no later winner. The Blues have now gone behind in five straight home league games, something they can’t continue to do as they look for the consistency needed to hold down one of the promotion places.
Three games in a week is tough for players and pitches alike
Three games in a week can be tough on any player and is equally hard for the Portman Road pitch to manage, with Daryl Murphy admitting post match that conditions made things difficult,
In the wake of some wet weather, severe cold and even light snow, it’s a wonder the playing surface didn’t look worse than the few signs of wear and tear it displayed after three games in eight days.
A wasted opportunity as the top becomes more and more congested
In the wake of Mick McCarthy admitting automatic promotion may not be beyond his side, and with Derby and Middlesbrough both losing, this was a missed opportunity for the Blues who now find themselves out of the play-off places.
They could have put themselves just three points off the top two but, with Sheffield Wednesday now on the charge and the likes of Birmingham putting runs together, the top of the table is starting to look a little congested.
There’s an awfully long way to go.
The Murphy of last season is certainly still there
Daryl Murphy’s equaliser was reminiscent of so many of his goals from a remarkable 20014/15 campaign which say him lead the Championship scoring charts with 27. He’s unlikely to get near that figure this season but, as he shifted the ball inside and confidently fired a shot in from range, you could tell that confidence still remains.
He’s being asked to play a different role, leading the line alone while the likes of Freddie Sear and Ryan Fraser look to cause problems from wide areas, but has looked sharp in recent weeks.
What got you talking after today’s game?
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