Ratings: Bialkowski and Hyam the pick of the bunch as Town slip to defeat at Brentford

Following Ipswich Town’s 1-0 defeat by Brentford, sports writer Andy Warren grades the performances of the Ipswich Town players.

Bartosz Bialkowski

Made a superb save early on as he reacted sharply to deal with an effort from Neal Maupay, before beating another effort away and holding a Watkins shot just before the break. Was sent the wrong way for the penalty. 7

Jordan Spence

Defended well enough but wasn’t able to stride forwards as he has in recent games and was caught in possession on a number of occasions while also picking the wrong passes. 5

Cameron Carter-Vickers

The Blues’ best player in the first half as the United States international did well to make at least three excellent clearances to deal with Brentford balls into the box. Made a couple more after the break as the loanee returned to form after a below-par display at Birmingham. 7

Luke Chambers

Looked instantly in pain after colliding with an on-rushing Bialkowski and left the field with what Mick McCarthy confirmed post-match as a cracked rib. Has been in excellent form of late and will be missed if the injury ends his season. 6

Adam Webster

Webster and the rest of the defence did enough to keep Brentford out, aside from the softest of penalties. After a couple of tougher outings of late, the former Portsmouth man looked more assured and took over the central role following the injury to Chambers. 6

Jonas Knudsen

Took the captain’s armband after Chambers’ departure and moved into a central defensive role once again before returning to the left back slot in the second half. Was very unlucky to give away the deciding penalty. 6

Callum Connolly

Had the ball in the net just before the break following a nice backheel but it was ruled out for handball in the build-up. Looked to have more drive in his legs than in recent weeks, highlighted by a good run forward in the second period. 6

Luke Hyam

Probably the pick of the bunch for the Blues on a difficult afternoon for the midfielder as he faced abuse from a home crowd who had not forgotten his challenge that led to Alan Judge’s nasty injury two years ago. He passed well and won the ball back when he needed to. A mature display. 7

Tristan Nydam

Took his time to work his way into the contest but ended the first half playing some neat passes and moving the ball round well. A decent display from a player who will surely have a big future at the club. 6

Freddie Sears

Ran tirelessly and chased every lost cause going without being able to force any dangerous situations for himself and his team-mates. A selfless display but no closer to ending a goal drought now just a few days short of a year. 5

Martyn Waghorn

As he has so many times in recent weeks, the forward looked frustrated for much of the half as team-mates as he showed for ball that were not forthcoming. Had some neat touches as he looked the most likely Ipswich player to make something happen. Had a good effort saved in the second period but otherwise had little sight of goal. 7

Myles Kenlock (for Chambers 24)

Came on following Chambers’ injury and, after taking a few minutes to get into the game, contributed well enough and looked to get forward when possible. His final ball could have been better but he was unfortunate to be replaced when McCarthy switched formations late on. 6

Grant Ward (for Nydam 72)

Came closest to finding an equaliser for the visitors when his shot was well-saved by Bentley. 6

Bersant Celina (for Kenlock 75)

As always his touch looked threatening but he was unable to provide the spark Ipswich needed. 6