Clarke’s penalty not enough as in-form Bournemouth edge Town

Pre-match preamble

It seems strange that everyone is saying how hard it will be to beat Bournemouth today, as I always still think of them as quite a small club: not a force in the Premiership or playing in Europe. But they were in the former for five years running, up until 2020, and back again in 2022, achieving their highest position ever last season to qualify for the Europa League. So, actually, a force to be reckoned with, and in their current form, they will be on a high.

Bournemouth are on a winning streak in both the Premiership and the Europa League. Town will have to be on their very best form and match them defensively as well as up front. I believe we have some great players and the makings of a strong squad that's improving every game, but the Cherries have proven excellence at this level with the likes of Kluivert, Tavernier, Truffert, Silva and Evanilson; not to mention Rayan and Ryan (Christie). I am sure they will be keen to stamp their authority on the game. Bournemouth started the season slowly but are now on a roll. Town must keep their heads and stay tight – I think this will be a more skilful game than some we have seen so far, and mistakes will be pounced upon. One thing I do know is that Town do not give up easily, and we have the advantage of being at home. It could be really exciting.

I imagine many will be wondering who will win the battle for the left wing today. My personal preference is for Jack Clarke, as although we have all witnessed Jaden’s prowess, for some reason the magic is not happening at the moment. If not starting, I know JC is very impactful as a sub, but I would like to see him be that very thing a little bit earlier in the proceedings, perhaps? Just saying.

Today allegedly celebrates “The Feast of the Four Crowned Martyrs”, so I am going for Ipswich scoring four goals in this match, leaving the Cherries as the martyrs. However, it is also National Harvey Wallbanger Day, so I will leave that one to your imagination!

More importantly, Remembrance Sunday was impeccably observed in the stadium by the members of the armed forces, with a rendition of the Last Post and the silence of the crowd.

I had chatted to Andrew on the train; he was on his way over to the ceremony at the war memorial in Christchurch Park wearing medals won serving with the REME Corps. We discussed the importance of remembering, with a special significance created by our own fathers’ service and mostly undisclosed acceptance of their experiences. We went on to discuss the match, as Andrew is also an avid Town fan.

We talked all things Town when I met a second Andy (whose daughter works at the club) in the town centre after my visit to the new Ipswich Town shop in the Buttermarket. I thought it truly splendiferous – do take a look if you have the time.

The match

Town came flying out of the blocks and were straight away attacking and passing well, especially down the right-hand side through Maeda, Davis, Diop and Palacios. Maeda’s early shot across the goalmouth was just out of reach of Emersonn.

Then disaster struck. A back pass was fumbled by Walton, allowing Evanilson to swoop quickly in and pop the ball into an open goal. A bad blow, but they picked themselves straight up and began to battle. For the next 20 minutes Town played some quite beautiful football – especially Palacios: he was quite simply everywhere, and the opposition did not seem to know how to contain him. Then Bournemouth picked up the gauntlet and their level of play picked up too.

Both teams continued to play well, with play going from end to end, but Town could not manage a finish, not least due to the defending capabilities of the Cherries. Both teams had chances that they failed to convert, but towards the end of the first half Bournemouth had the edge, no doubt helped by the boost of that goal on the scoreboard.

Jaden found himself a space and managed to get a shot through the melee of defenders, but it was low and lacked power, so it was easily enough scooped up by Petrovic.

A hefty shot from Kluivert forced Walton into a good save, and from there the wind-down began to half-time with no further score.

We were hoping for an equaliser before half-time to level the playing field, metaphorically speaking, but it was not to be.

Half-time: Ipswich 0-1 Bournemouth

Ipswich came out with intent, and there was 45 minutes’ worth of optimism ahead.

This took a dent at around 30 seconds in: Bournemouth had another goal. Christie took a shot and watched as it rebounded off Davis into the net.

There was another near miss from Hill from a free kick, and then it got a little messy for a time with a handbags-at-dawn episode which I could neither make head nor tail of: two on the floor, who fouled whom, then a group trying to argue the case. It transpired that Palacios had taken exception to a foul on Maeda, and it culminated in three yellow cards (Tavernier, Enciso and Smith).

On the 52-minute mark, Palacios was hacked down, but luckily it seemed not to be serious. Enciso nearly managed to run in on goal, but Petrovic managed to literally grab the ball from his feet. A couple of minutes later, Clarke and Flemming entered the arena, with Fatawu following 10 minutes later.

I was pleased about this, as we were awarded a penalty for a foul on Outttara in the 71st minute and JC stepped up to the plate. I always have total confidence that he will score in that situation, and he did not disappoint, sending Petrovic the wrong way.

This half had been very busy and, of course, with Town pushing hard now for an equaliser, it remained that way until the very end. Enciso’s free kick scraped the woodwork, with Petrovic ultimately pushing it over the bar. Another free kick from Enciso so nearly succeeded, but curled snake-like just outside the box.

With nine minutes of added time, the visitors had a last-gasp attempt for a third goal, by Rodriguez, saved superbly by Walton.

Full-time: Ipswich 1-2 Bournemouth

The players

I wondered if Sasa Lukic would be match fit for this week, as he links play well with our wizardly Palacios. He was on the bench but unused.

Man of the match

They all gave it their all – it was a very different game from the last couple we have played and, to be fair, both sides played some excellent football, but…

Julio Enciso has to be my choice again this week – his work rate is incredible, his skill with the ball is admirable, and his speed is remarkable.

Post-match pondering

This report comes from a slightly different perspective from normal, as I was watching it from the press box. Huge thanks to the club for a wonderful day on the “inside” … made special by the many helpful, smiley club staff and fellow “reporters” who helped it go smoothly. A really interesting experience; the only difficulty I found was showing a neutral face, not being able to shout them on their way or to leap up and roar when they scored.

Sitting in the pressroom felt slightly unreal, but I thought both managers were excellent in their post-match summations and their remarks surrounding their players and the game were all of a positive nature, so important to all of us.

Last, but by no means least, a big thank you to Marcus and Brandon for facilitating this visit; very much appreciated.

One highlight was meeting Cole Skuse in the half-time break over a cup of tea; I wonder if he passed on my Mick Mills memory from way back when? It is wonderfully true how a football club can give you a sense of belonging, even to those you have never met. Dara’s now famous “Us and Our People” is perfect. You nailed it, Dara.

This feeling of togetherness was very much brought home to me by talking to Phil, who provides match commentary for the blind and partially sighted at the club. He explained why radio does not always fit the bill, as relaying “pictures” to a listener who has no concept of colour, for example, or juxtaposition of objects needs a different expertise. A wonderful service provision, and I can only say I was full of respect for his role … and he seems perfect for it. He emanates warmth, friendliness and patience, even though he teased me for my 4-0 prediction. He was also sadly nearer in changing it to a four-goal game after all!

Everyone hoped for a win today, with another three nice fat points to take into the break, but I do not feel too despondent, as Town showed their resilience and their growing expertise as a team playing a very tough opponent. Unfortunately, Town gave two goals away, but that is what clever top league players force you into doing: making mistakes.

Bournemouth are considered by many to be the most in-form team in the Premier League at the moment, probably the most consistent, with now an eight-game winning run, consisting of a clutch of goals and very few against (possibly only three? That sounds insane, do check!). But they started off slowly this season and so have we – slowly but not too unsteadily.

Now we all have to weather another “time off”. Let us hope we can all come back bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and get this show back on the road again … Spurs at the ready.

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