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Match Report: Ipswich 2-2 Swansea | Help spread the word: Share on Facebook 
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Ipswich did little to suggest they were turning the corner with a 2-2 draw at home to Swansea. Paul Bloomfield reports.Town very nearly got off to a dream start when Jon Stead’s curling effort came within a whisker of the far post after just 30 seconds. Ipswich had the better of the early exchanges and played some good football during this period, but soon began to drop off, allowing Swansea into the game; who then began to look the dominant force. However, it was the home side who struck first through Pablo Couñago just before the break. The Spaniard superbly controlled Iván Campo’s ball into the box on the chest, before firing high into the roof of the net. It was a fine piece of play by Town’s Spanish duo in a game that had very much a Spanish theme, with Roberto Martinez’s side largely consisting of players from his own native country. Swansea got themselves back on level terms three minutes into the second-half, when the referee opted to play the advantage. The linesman flagged for a foul by Alan Quinn, but the referee allowed play to go on. David Wright had stopped playing in anticipation of a set piece being awarded, as Angel Rangel eased past him and set-up Ferrie Bodde to fire the Swans level. Swansea went in front 20 minutes from time when Ipswich failed to clear a corner to safety, which eventually resulted in Jórdi Gomez firing a low shot from just inside the box past Richard Wright at his near post. It was a great, firmly struck shot by the Spanish striker, but Wright may have been disappointed to have conceded at his near post. The Blues looked to be heading for a third home league defeat of the season, but received salvation in the form of their very own Spanish striker ten minutes from the end. Pablo Couñago steered the ball into the net from close-range after Tommy Miller’s ball into the box landed at his feet. The Swansea players were appealing for an offside against Couñago, and it looked as if they may well have had a case, but the goal stood. A 2-2 draw is how it finished, and did little to enthuse Town supporters about how the season is going to pan out. Town look a long way off the side that was expected to achieve a play-off place and challenge for promotion at the start of the season. For all of Town’s misgivings, Swansea must be congratulated on their performance, and Roberto Martinez looks to have assembled a side that is more than capable of staying in this league. The Swansea players, staff and travelling fans may have been disappointed not to come away with all three points, because if either side deserved to win, it was most certainly the team in white. Richard Wright has once again come in for criticism by Town fans for his role in an opposition goal; this time deeming that he should have had Jordi Gómez’s strike covered. Personally, I feel criticism of him on this particular occasion is harsh, but I do agree like a lot of Town fans that Shane Supple should be given a chance between the sticks. Iván Campo had a poor game in the centre of midfield and Jon Walters looked unusually off-colour. David Norris was one of the plus points to come from the game, with the midfielder now looking like the player that Jim Magilton fought so hard to get. Town’s defensive frailties were also on show once again, as the defence still remains a major vulnerability. In truth, Town were lucky to come away with a point and Marcus Evans’ supposed backing of Jim Magilton for the rest of the season no matter what, is really beginning to be put to the test. Ipswich: R.Wright, Volz, McAuley, Naylor, D.Wright, Walters, Norris, Campo (Miller 60), Quinn (Lisbie 75), Couñago, Stead (Garvan 60). Unused: Supple, Bruce. Booked: Stead, Naylor, Campo. Swansea: De Vries, Rangel, Monk, Williams, Painter, Bodde, Pratley (Tudur-Jones 78), Britton, Gower, Gomez, Pintado (Scotland 70). Unused: Tate, Brandy, Butler. Booked: Rangel, Pratley. Click to view author Paul Bloomfield's profile Fancy writing for LiveFootball? Click here to find out more. |