HOMESICK Ipswich Town need to start cracking mean-spirited visitors if they are to get on a run that could take them to the play-offs.

Derek Davis

HOMESICK Ipswich Town need to start cracking mean-spirited visitors if they are to get on a run that could take them to the playoffs.

The Blues have failed to repeat the good results of last season at Portman Road as clubs shut up shop and nick points against a Town side that are currently 11th in the Championship.

Blues striker Jon Walters has also suffered with his goal ratio down, not helped by him playing in various positions this term, and he admits Town need to find a way through.

He said: “A lot of teams have come here with one up front and put five across the middle and we have not found a way to break teams down.

“That has been a problem for us at home. I don't know the answer. It is down to relationships on the pitch.

“Strikers need to combine better with the widemen and the midfield and know what everyone else is doing.

“It is about combinations but sometimes it is difficult if you move around a bit.”

Although Alan Quinn and David Norris are both suspended for the Blackpool game, it could prove a blessing in disguise for those coming in, especially if more goals are created.

Walters said: “Both those players are really central midfielders even though they have been playing out of position. We have Shumi along with Tommy and Owen who can play there so we still have one over.

“It gives people a chance to play out wide and put a marker down. It may mean being a bit more attacking and benefit us all.”

Walters is looking for an early Town goal tomorrow, followed by further success against Nottingham Forest next Wednesday before the trip to QPR the following Saturday.

Walters said: “It is vital for us to get off to a good start and have teams come back at us.

“I said before we needed a run and we went on a little one now we need another.

“It is not so much about performances it is about results.

“We got 11 points from 15 last month and if we do that every month we will be in with a chance.

“This is an opportunity for us to get points on the board so we need to get as many as possible from these games.

“We need points on the board and you want to win the home games.”

Even though Town triumphed at Blackpool through a David Norris goal, Walters is not expecting a romp.

He said: “They are no easy games Blackpool have got decent results of late and Forest under Billy Davies have improved while QPR away is never going to be easy.

“We have to take it and give everything we have because we need the points and Blackpool are looking to get where we are.”

Walters accepts Town have not lived up to expectation and that needs to change but has calle don patience from the supporters.

He said: “We need to crowd to get right behind us from the start and that could make a difference. Our results there have not been good enough, especially compared to last year ad we need to change that.

“At the beginning of the season everyone was saying we wanted to be top six or even top two and at the moment we are not. We have an opportunity now to get on a great run and be a lot closer where we want to be.

“If we can go on a run and get into the play offs right at the end then the season will be judged a success.”

Last year's player of the season was hauled off at half-time during the 3-0 loss at Swansea but even though he was left frustrated Walters vowed to battle on.

He said: “I'm getting fitter and fitter and getting better. I was not injured on Saturday I was just taken off. The manager has the right to do that he makes the decision.

“I will keep plugging away. I'm a positive person and I know you have to keep working hard and make your own luck.”

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk