|
When Ipswich levelled on 86 mins it was like Deja vu with City again squandering a home lead. Many stood and left when Juan scored direct with a free kick after Whitley fouled but for those who stayed and willed City forward there was the reward of a late winner.
Before kick off the crowd (only 8500) clapped and cheered the memory of George Best. It was a fitting tribute and much better than a minute of silence (in my opinion).
City led from a Michael Ricketts strike on the half hour and despite many chances, a combination of poor finishing and a superb performance from Lewis Price, City could not find the second goal to kill the game. Ipswich played 77 mins with 10 men. Fabian Wilnis was sent off for bringing down Cameron Jerome in the box. City were awarded a penalty and Wilnis walked. Jerome was tugged but he went down real easy. Still we've been the victims of such decisions before. To the letter of the law the referee was probably right but Joe Royle and Ipswich will feel harshly treated.
The cocky Michael Ricketts made a hash of the kick with a stuttery run up and a poor strike that was easily saved by Welshman Price.
There was chances at both ends with Neil Alexander pulling off a stunning save low to his left and City putting a succession of dangerous crosses into the box.
The goal when it came was from a combination of loose Ipswich play and s uper pass from Joe Ledley. The City midfielder intercepted a poor pass and immediately despatched a lovely weighted ball for Michael Ricketts to lash into the back of the net.
Half time 1 - 0.
City had the majority of play in the second half but no matter what they tried they could not beat Price. The young keeper made several stunning saves to keep Ipswich in the game. As the clock ticked down you wondered could City hold onto a 1 - 0. We've blown it so many times and the inevitable happened on 86 mins. Jeff Whitley fouled on the edge of the box and Jimmy Juan scored direct from the free kick.
City though attacked again. The pressure paid off when the clock struck 90 mins. Jason Koumas, again in excellent form, danced into the box and as he went around a defender he fell over but managed to get up and unleashed a cracker past Price and sent te City fans wild and the club up to 6th in the table.
Ipswich did have one more effort after City's winner but a free kick sailed over the bar.
The stats show 36 efforts at goal between the sides with 21 of them from City. It could have been another Crewe game if the chances had gone in but at the end we'll take the three points and a place in the play off places.
Next up it's consecutive Saturday away trips to Hull and Leeds. If we are still in the play off places in 11 days time I'll be more than happy.