New reign starts with a win

Wednesday 29 December 2021, Ipswich Town 1 Wycombe Wanderers 0 - League One, Portman Road

Great win, great crowd - played with pace and passion - not a bad start for our new young manager

Too mild for Penguins

Saturday 27 December 2021, Ramsgate 3 Hythe Town 3 - Southwood, Isthmian league, South East Division

Not a great start to the day with my morning game in Sussex rained off and no alternative could be found, so we arrived on the Kent coast earlier than we expected. We knew it was free admission and not only that but Ramsgate even had free funfair rides for the kids, however the wet miserable day, meant very few locals took the offer up, however the min ice rink - with penguins! Placed behind one goal did seem to have a queue of locals in attendance.

Loved the ground, a stand built in the same design as Newbury Park tube station and the locals seemed to be in good spirits as they played another East Kent team, g goals with Ramsgate dominating the second half, the best  goal of the day was the final equaliser from Hythe.

A bit of pride back

Saturday 18 December 2021, Ipswich Town 1 Sunderland 1 - League One, Portman Road

A full house, many legends back and new manager watching from the seats - along with our American owners, and the unveiling of the Kevin Beattie statue, and to top it all a display that showed these players can play - pleased for John McGreal - he stepped up when we needed him and was close to the win his work deserved.

Not an accurate score

Thursday 16 December 2021, Tottenham Hotspur Under 18s 5 Ipswich Town Under 18s 1 - FA Youth Cup 3rd Round, Lamex Stadium, Stevenage

A strange game, Ipswich dominated most of the possession in the first half but went in at the break two down - Spurs far more clinical when they got their opportunities.

Second half also saw Ipswich dominate, miss numerous chances but then got a goal back , however with a few minutes left the Ipswich right back collided with the Town keeper- leaving a tap in for Spurs. Ipswich then still had time to miss a penalty and Spurs score a further two late goals.

A game Ipswich dominated but somehow lost by 4 clear goals!! 

Village fun

Saturday 11 December 2021, Alresford Colne Rangers 3 Dedham Old Boys 2 - Essex & Suffolk Border League, Premier Division Ford Lane

Had to stay local today and that worked out well as the village team at Alresford served up a great game, feisty tackling, goals, penalties and the bonus f a small but well kept modern clubhouse serving food, tea, coffee and beers! 

The Sweeney?

Wednesday 8 December 2021, Guildford City 3 Camberley Town 3 0- Combined Counties League, Premier South, Spectrum Arena

Last night I made it to  Guildford- but was not my first choice but late decision after second late call-off of the Kensington & Ealing Borough- British Airways game, Think I will give up trying to catch that fixture!

Athletics stadium, but the raised seated stand (some with cover) does give it a unique interest and also a good view of the game. Plenty of parking and close to the A3- so an easy ground to catch and a 7.30 kick off ( well closer to 7.38pm in the end)

Bar open plus food and tea/coffee available from the portacabins below the stand.

Guildford started quickly, passed the ball well and used the width of the pitch with the left back and left winger creating numerous chances, so no surprise that they went two up quickly and even when Camberley got a goal back, it only took Guildford a minute to get their two goal lead back.

Second half was like a different game, Camberley took control of midfield, Guildford resorted to long ball and very quickly Camberley got two goals back and were  ow on level terms. the game then fizzled out as neither team could take control of the game.

So six goals not bad and for an athletics stadium, not a bad place to watch football.

The club nick name - 'The Sweeney' - why? Seems the Guildford strip is red and white p stripes, like a barber shop pole and the most famous barber ever is - 'Sweeney Todd' - Now you know!

At least we are in the hat!

Saturday 4 December 2021, Ipswich Town 0 Barrow 0 - FA Cup, 2nd Round, Portman Road

In the hat for the next round, but still no home FA Cup win for years, just embarrassing 

No luck from the spot this time

Tuesday 1 December 2021, Ipswich Town 2 Arsenal Under 21s 2 (3-4 on penalties) - Papa John's Trophy, 2nd Round, Portman Road

First half cruising at two nil up, second half sloppy  and 2-2 and this time penalties could not save us.