Pre-match preamble
Today we face Leicester City: a familiar foe who some consider a bogey team for Town. They have certainly proved to be our bête noire on several occasions.
They've had an unsteady journey in recent years, with this perhaps being one of their worst seasons. Their second relegation from the top flight in three years came last season. Current manager Gary Rowett, appointed in February this year, became their sixth permanent boss since they won the FA Cup under Brendan Rodgers (sacked April 2023) – and their third change of coach this season alone. Rowett took the reins from interim boss Andy King, who had held the fort for eight games after the departure of Martí Cifuentes.
They were hit with an immediate six-point deduction in February 2026 for breaching EFL Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in 2023–24. This sanction dropped them into the Championship relegation zone and presumably led to this game being labelled a "Grade B fixture". That's sad. I imagine training hard and winning two games, only to have the points instantly wiped from the slate, can't do much for player motivation, so it will be interesting to see whether it has impacted their psyche. It may mean they come out fighting harder than ever. I think they'll still be a force to be reckoned with.
Leicester City are nicknamed the Foxes because Leicestershire is historically renowned as the birthplace of fox hunting. As they were founded in 1884 as Leicester Fosse FC, I had thought "Fosse" might be an ancient word for fox – but apparently it means "muddy trench". I apologise for immediately thinking Blackburn Fosse FC would be more apt, but it did make me smile.
Today sees the introduction of a brand-new live music stage in the Portman Road fan zone, which will be in action for the remainder of this season. The idea is to showcase local talent and keep supporters happy. Hope we see Ed there – ha ha.
On the train
I sat and chatted to Kevin, who lives over Tolleshunt D'Arcy way and started supporting Town as a young lad. We discovered that we both know Trevor Lower – another big fan, who I think was instrumental in introducing Kevin to the club. Trevor is one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.
First half
The first 20 minutes were slow, with each team seemingly trying to take the measure of the other without committing to any big moves forward. Town were in fact doing what everyone hates: passing square, passing back, holding the ball up.
Gradually, they seemed to warm into the game, but there were very few shots attempted as there was rarely a route through a wall of defenders. Dara O'Shea did get through on the 30-minute mark, but his header just shaved the wrong side of the woodwork.
Every goal kick by the Foxes was extended to the maximum time possible; every throw-in the same. It became obvious they were playing for a draw and simply trying to frustrate Town's attempts to play freely. Play became turgid and not a particularly good watch, with neither team performing particularly well.
The Foxes' goal came just before the break from a soft free kick given against Furlong. Whatever the instigation, it was a brilliantly taken shot by Daka, from a pass by Thomas.
HT: Ipswich 0-1 Leicester City
Second half
Out came a different team. Disappointed as they must have been to have conceded, Town didn't crumble – they upped their game, picked up the pace and started playing with purpose. They piled on the pressure and were relentless in their attempts to score, with lots of chances blocked by a wall of pink shirts.
As well as deflected shots and some over-the-top volleys, there were desperate goalmouth scrambles – the kind that leave you muttering "how did that not go in?" It took one of these to produce the equaliser around the 80th minute. After several attempts, the ball rebounded out to Egeli, who made sure to bury it past Stolarczyk at the near post. A well-taken and very well-received goal.
In the closing minutes, a high long ball came into the area with Kipre free to move on to it. Choudhury floored him. Calls for a penalty were ignored. Game over.
FT: Ipswich 1-1 Leicester City
Men of the match
No one really stood out in the first half – and everyone stood out in the second. Jack Clarke injected welcome pace when he came on, and all of them ran and ran.
Man of the match has to be Sindre Walle Egeli, for scoring in such a difficult press.
PS: I was impressed with Dan Neil's pre-match interview. Very level-headed and mature for someone who has just turned 24. He will be a sound player for us, I believe, once he gets a few more games under his belt after a largely non-playing spell at Sunderland.
Post-match ponderings
I did a double-take when the teams first came out, as the pale pink of Leicester's shirts looked at first glance as though they were topless. Maybe they were put on a boil wash.
I can't avoid the main talking point of this match, much as I would like to. My son says I shouldn't criticise the referee – it's like making excuses – and I agree, it's not a good look. But in this instance, it has to be done. Twenty-eight thousand people would think I hadn't been at the game if I didn't mention his bizarre decisions. In fact, more than that, as opposing fans have been posting on Ipswich supporters' forums to the same effect – even Boro and Coventry supporters. Decisions went the wrong way for both sides throughout, and soft free kicks were given for infringements that barely existed – one of which led directly to Leicester's goal.
Kieran reacted to a second ignored penalty shout in the final minutes; the referee booked him and apparently said he hadn't seen it. It was a tackle a rugby player would have been proud of, deep in the box, and the referee, John Busby, was standing a few yards away. It is very unlike Kieran to protest – he is very much our gentlemanly Mr Cool.
At full-time, Mr Busby was ushered from the pitch by security to resounding boos.
Switching the subject: I was interested to note that a tightening of the laws on holding and pulling is being examined – an issue I mentioned earlier this season as an increasing problem that, in my humble opinion, is ruining the game. We already have FA Law 12, under which holding an opponent is a direct free kick or penalty offence, with players cautioned for stopping a promising attack and sent off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. But referees are being schooled to be stricter, especially at corners – and a whole new law may be considered. Hurrah for that.
On the train, I bumped into Rob, Matt and Dave again – it's becoming a habit. Dave asked me to say he was "disgruntled". Perfect word for today, my friend.
Apologies for a slightly shorter report; I have already written two this week, and this game is perhaps best put behind us. The general feeling on the train seemed to be relief that we didn't lose.
Leicester came for a draw – and that's what they got, with a little help from some very poor decision-making.
Onwards and upwards.
