A home-friendly – but not at home
We were at the Jobserve Community Stadium in Colchester as ITFC and CUFC have made an agreement for the Ladies and U21s teams to play their matches here next season, and this one has obviously been included within that remit. I've never been to this ground before (Oh, except to attend an afternoon Speed Awareness Course - but don't tell anyone), though I went to Layer Road several times when Ipswich played there. Looking back, I'm sure Colchester was viewed as the enemy in those days: the grudge match, before the Norwich rivalry took over.
Good views of the pitch in this ground, and, of course, I booked a ticket in the West Stand. Good crowd too, and a happy summer evening friendly atmosphere. Chatted to a nice guy called Rob about the team and the coming season – most supporters are feeling optimistic, it seems.
It was exciting to see the new players out warming up as well as our lovely stalwarts from last year. Some of the old faces are missing, but hey, life moves on. Fare thee well, Liam, Mass, Cam, Marcus, Jens (maybe) and Kalvin – we extend our thanks and wish you all good luck in your lives and careers moving forward. A very special thank you to Captain Sam, we will miss you. Hope to maybe see some of you again...when we're all back in the Premier League.
Charlton Athletic, aka the Addicks, are newly arrived in the Championship, having come 4th in League One in the 2024/2025 season. So it would be good to put down a marker as they will be playing us in earnest in October. I'll keep the story about their name and the fishes until then.
The kick-off was delayed for 15 minutes as there was congestion on the A12, though it would be quicker and easier to report when there isn't!
With the players assembled ready on the pitch, the tragic announcement was made that a Charlton U-10s player, Ethan Ade-Oduwale, had died that morning; a promising footballer, passionate about the game and with a zest for life that touched everyone he knew. The crowd stood as one for a period of applause as a gesture of respect for the young player. Rest in Peace, Ethan.
First half
Fairly even start with Town having more of the possession, but with Charlton providing some dangerous moments when the chances fell to them. Luckily, I thought our defenders put in an excellent, solid display, pretty much all the way through the match. Town had chances too: Al-Hamadi shot wide from a deflected free kick, and Cam Humphreys put a rocket into the box that drew a good save from Kaminski. Despite the pressure from Town, the Addicks managed to contain the forays, and at half-time it was honours even. A good half from Town, but there were perhaps chances missed.
On the Pitch 1st half: Walton, Johnson, Woolfenden, Kipre, Townsend, Barbrook, Humphreys, Ogbene, Chaplin, Clarke, Al-Hamadi.
Ipswich Town 0-0 Charlton Athletic.
Second half
Everyone was a little surprised to see Muric come out for the second half; he hasn't been seen since the beginning of the year (injured shoulder?). Within 6 minutes, Town took the lead from a pass by Chaplin to Jack Clarke, who went on a tricky, fast run through all the defenders, finishing neatly with a shot across goal with his right to score. Nice one, Jack!
Charlton levelled quite quickly from a short corner flicked on by Kanu. Olaofe scored at close range from the rebound of an attempted Ipswich clearance. But happily, Al-Hamadi put Ipswich back in front a few minutes later, by sliding the ball through Kaminski's legs.
Substitutes came on for both sides, which upped the pace for the remaining minutes, but there were to be no more goals.
Hutchinson and Young were greeted warmly on 62 mins, and the former was noticeably causing Charlton problems. I would have liked to have seen the late free kick taken by Young, but hopefully we will have chances to see that in the future.
On the Pitch 2nd half: Muric, Johnson (Hutchinson 62), Woolfenden (Taylor 74), Kipre, Townsend, Barbrook (Hirst 74), Humphreys, Ogbene (Young 62), Chaplin (Philogene 74), Clarke (Baggott 74), Al-Hamadi (Szmodics 74)
Final Score: Ipswich 2-1 Charlton Athletic
Players of the Match
It was a good showing from all our players, with one or two or three standout performances.
I thought Jack was excellent, Ali, Elkan, and Conor C. did well, and Omari showed what a handful he can be in the short time he was on the pitch.
But for my super-standout performance, I choose Cedric Kipre - great defending, and he was just everywhere when needed. Very impressed.
Post-match ponderings
Charlton appeared to be more desperate for the win than we were, just by their use of a fair bit of fouling, much of which was ignored or given the opposite way. Despite at least one possible penalty (it's so much easier not to feel too frustrated at a friendly game), I was surprised at the amount of holding our opponents did and nothing was said even though they had an arm wrapped around the player, not just in a corner or free kick situation – but just as a way of tackling.
This seems to be becoming increasingly prevalent and should be monitored, I think. I wish the powers that be, FA, Laws of the Game, or whoever, would tighten up on that, as 'it's beginning to look a lot like rugby'!
All in all, very happy with the team and think we will go into battle as a force to be reckoned with – fingers crossed for no injuries. I'm pleased we don't play at this ground every week. It's really hard to get to, in the middle of nowhere, and there are no nearby bus routes, it seems?
I'm looking forward to the new season.
