A very poor Ipswich side lined up in a negative 4-5-1 formation, against a Crystal Palace team who themselves have been under performing this season.
Although the London side did see two players sent off, the damage had already been done. An Andy Johnson cross in the 14th minute, found Jon Macken who fired a shot almost straight at Lewis Price in the Ipswich goal, though the Town ‘keepers weak attempt at a save pushed the ball into the net rather than away from it. The eagles went 2-0 up just after the hour, a Michael Hughes left foot special from outside the area leaving no chance for Price this time.
Town should have had a lifeline back into the match when Macken recieved a second caution on 77 minutes, to no avail, Joe Royle trying to change things around opted for what seemed to be a 3-6-1 formation, and then towards the end an even more bizarre 2-6-2, and even when Watson was given a straight red for the visitors on 89 it was too late for the home side to do anything in return.
A very disappointing match, coupled with a lack of direction from the manager, if Ipswich and Joe Royle don’t start fighting or taking risks by using the talented youngsters we have at our disposal then 2006 could be a very nervous second half to the season.
Ipswich: Price, Sito, Naylor, De Vos, Wilnis (Haynes 65), Williams (McDonald 81), Garvan, Juan, Currie, Westlake, Forster.
Subs Not Used: Supple, Richards, Magilton.
Booked: Juan, Naylor, Garvan.
Crystal Palace: Kiraly, Fitz Hall, Ward, Popovic, Leigertwood, McAnuff, Watson, Hughes (Hudson 80), Soares, Macken, Johnson (Morrison 90)
Subs Not Used: Speroni, Freedman, Andrews
Sent Off: Macken (77), Watson (89).
Booked: Popovic, Macken, Leigertwood, Hughes, Johnson, Watson
Goals: Macken 14, Hughes 61
Ref: K Woolmer (Northamptonshire)
