Town supporters are right behind the team and the reason for this is because we continue to play entertaining football that transcends all football logic. Once again last night we were undoubtedly the better side, and yet once again, poor officiating cost us all three points. They say luck levels out over a season but bad decisions seemingly not.
The reason that most supporters are still in the Paul Lambert honeymoon camp is that every team he puts out play with a freedom of expression that belies our lowly position in the Championship table. We currently find ourselves eleven points adrift of safety and twelve if you include our inferior goal difference, and yet when you watch us play, we possess an assurance that is in complete contrast with our bottom of the table blues.
Whatever team Lambert decides upon plays with the kind of fluidity that would see us in the top half of the table, if only we had someone who could find the net. Sadly, our options have narrowed discernibly over the last few months and now, the strike force largely picks itself and consists of Kayden Jackson and Ellis Harrison. Jackson had a golden opportunity within the first minute last night when their stand in keeper Stefan Marinovic fluffed his lines but some great defensive work by Kelly denied Town an early goal.
Ipswich impressed again and are giving it their all. I guess they know deep in their hearts that the chance of staying up is exceedingly small but they have nothing to lose by going for the jugular game after game. The younger players are showing their worth and some of those Hurst recruits are also stepping up to the plate these days and last night both Jon Nolan and Aristote Nsiala impressed.
If we can keep the nucleus of this squad together, then there is every reason to believe that we could come up as Champions from Divison One next season. I know it is not wise to count your chickens but I have been very encouraged by what I have seen of late and things can only get better.
F.W. – editor of Vital Ipswich
