Sheffield United stole a point at Portman Road thanks to a late James Beattie penalty, despite Ipswich taking a lead through a Tommy Miller spot-kick at the end of the first half. A scrappy game with no real flow was not helped by a referee who’s performance was nothing short of abysmal. You can’t blame him for the result, but you can blame him for a number of decisions that he either missed or got wrong.
In a bizarre sort of way, I did not feel too disappointed after the Birmingham game in midweek, they are a top two side and will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. Sheffield United aren’t as good as them but should have enough about them to see them in the play-offs at the end of the season. On paper, the result looks a decent one, but Town fans will have their hearts broken in the knowledge that a win would have seen the Blues in sixth spot, only for an 88th minute James Beattie penalty to share the spoils.
The opening minutes belonged to United, with the Blues seemingly unable to get a foot on the ball. The first opportunity fell to the Blades on four minutes, when Billy Sharp`s effort was handled well by Richard Wright, of which was just the first of a number of saves.
Town`s first opportunity fell to Jon Stead, but he only saw his effort blocked by former teammate Chris Morgan. Five minutes later, Norris tried his luck, but this time only managed to clip the outside of the post.
On 27, Ipswich fans were on their feet, thinking they had scored, but instead a fantastic half-volley from Counago crashed off the inside of Paddy Kenny`s goal, rolling along the line to safety.
It was not until five minutes from the interval that the first goal came. Jon Stead whipped the ball in from the right, and whilst he did manage to find Counago, the linesman informed the referee of a handball by Morgan inside the 18-yard box. It was a perhaps a tad harsh decision, but after a string of bad decisions in the opposite direction, Town fans were relieved to see this given. Tommy Miller stepped up to continue his immaculate record from the spot, sending Kenny the wrong way.
GOAL: Ipswich Town 1-0 Sheffield United (Tommy Miller)
That was the last effort of the half, with Town heading in at the break to a standing ovation, after a solid display against excellent opposition, despite the Blades having dominated the opening period.
HALF-TIME: Ipswich Town 1-0 Sheffield United
The opening stages of the second half saw Ipswich keep the ball well, without really posing a threat to the Blades back line.
On 64, Sheffield United had a gilt-edged opportunity to score, but miraculously the outstanding Richard Wright got a hand to the ball to deny the Blades from scoring from two-yards.
Wright was called into action again minutes later, when a ball was threaded through to James Beattie. However, the big keeper was off his line quick, to dive at the feet of the ex-Southampton and Everton striker, once again denying an absolutely superb opportunity.
On 82, Magilton made a strange decision to go defensive. Andy Gray once said: “Attack is the best form of defence”. Indeed, Ipswich fans were left pondering whether the defensive tactics were worth it as Town were left on the back foot with sub Richard Naylor slotting in as a third centre back and fifth defender, losing a man from midfield.
Two minutes later, Alan Quinn received a yellow card having replaced the impressive Darren Ambrose just a few minutes previous.
The game was looking fairly safe as that man Quinn gifted his ex-teammates the chance to score from the spot after a daft handball inside the box.
James Beattie stepped up to take the penalty, and there was no doubt over the out come from the moment he placed the ball on the spot.
GOAL: Ipswich Town 1-1 Sheffield United (James Beattie)
In desperation, Magilton brought on Lisbie for the unimpressive Stead just minutes from the final whistle. It was not enough, and the Blues fans went home feeling, at best, gutted.
Still, something to look forward to next Sunday with the first East Anglian derby of the season.
