Tony Warner allowed a shot from Darren Bent to beat him at his near post, in my opinion Vidmar allowed too much time and space. It was harsh on Warner who, apart from that, was one of City's better performers. He came out to collect a few crosses, punched a couple away and made a couple of brilliant stops in the second half
The only other player to emerge with credit was Alan Lee. His quick reaction to a sloppy backpass and then sheer strength saw him burst through to equalise for City. That was our one on target effort. Lee played up front with Earnshaw. The only time Earnie was involved in play was when he was expected to contest a high ball played from deep and against De Vos he had no chance. I don't think I'd be far wrong in saying that was Earnie's most ineffective game ever for City.
Why the poor show? It's hard to explain. Lennie selected a team the fans have been calling for. Collins to start, Gabbidon at full back, Langley in the middle, width from McAnuff. What happened? Shambles, that's what happened.
Ultimately it's the managers neck on the line. He was let down by his players on Saturday but the buck stops with Lennie and his level headed steady as you go attitude is going to be his downfall. City have already seen a drop in crowds from one home game to another, I can see another average gate this Saturday against Stoke and if City fail to perform in the next three games then by the next match at Ninian Park we will be lucky to get 10,000 - 11,000. When the fans speak with their feet it will be time for the chairman to act.
Winning your last game is no security. Ask Paul Sturrock.
James Collins was caught for Ipswich's second goal, he was turned and from the resulting attack Ipswich scored with ease. Then City were on the back foot again for Town's third, Vidmar's left back position was exposed and with no tracking back from midfield Ipswich were able to pass the ball into the net.
It was a kick in the teeth for the 800 or so travelling fans. We can all accept defeat, as long as we see the team making an effort then we will be tolerant.
I'm not suggesting the players did not try but they were woefully inadequate and now have something to prove.
You can't change a team in one go but you can change a manager, Lennie needs to "kick some ass" or the very fickle and mostly unforgiving City support will demand his head on a platter.
Back to the game, McAnuff started and when given the ball looked like he could do something. Unfortunately they hardly passed to him. Paul Parry came on in the second half and guess what? They didn't pass to him either. Earnie was expected to handle 50 yard high balls against a 6'3 centre half.
Langley in centre midfield. My only memory of a contribution was when he was arguing with the attackers as they prepared to kick off after we conceded the third goal.
Where has the attacking team from 12 months ago gone? Since we lost to Sheff Utd (3 - 5) and Reading (1 - 2) last autumn Lennie changed hs attitude to a defensive safety minded team. Until then we were the most entertaining side in the league. We have tried to defend deep but it has not worked.
The last game we kept a clean sheet was against Burnley last April. In the last 11 league games we have only won twice.
It's not just the last 4 games we've been under par. It's been longer than that.
I'm trying not to think about a potential cup exit at Kidderminster and then we have unbeaten Stoke at Ninian Park. If that puts fear into you then it's league leaders Wigan away. They beat us 3 - 0 last season and a 4 - 0 reverse three seasons ago saw Alan Cork walk the plank to allow Lennie in.
Interesting times ahead.