IPSWICH 3 LEICESTER CITY 1
I have never been so angry and deflated watching a match as I was after the 39th minute!
I had a very good view of the “red card” incident and could see quite clearly that Kisnorbo had touched the ball ahead of Counago for a corner. Quite why the referee allowed himself to be convinced otherwise by the referee’s assistant is beyond me.
The incident was outside the penalty area, and Kisnorbo was not even the last man. By the time you read this you will all know that Kisnorbo’s red card was rescinded immediately the next day as the ref decided after the match he had got it completely wrong on all counts. Can we please have a replay or can I have my money back?
Unfortunately it completely ruined what was turning into a very good match. I lost interest in the second half and so will concentrate on the first half…..
Kaebi was brought straight into right midfield with N’Gotty replacing Stearman at right back who had had a torrid time against WBA. Fryatt was brought back from suspension instead of Cort. Sheehan played left midfield.
After a fairly steady start Haynes started to give Mattock real problems with his pace. Eventually Haynes did what City players rarely do, he went to the bye line and crossed low for Counago to finish off skilfully. For a while it looked like City could be overrun, with Counago missing a great chance with a header and Fulop surprisingly looking shaky with his kicking….
Then, from a forward header from Clemence, Hume scored with a looping shot over Ipswich’s goalkeeper for a great poacher’s strike. The game then ebbed and flowed with City looking increasingly dangerous on the break.
I could see further goals and Ipswich looked beatable through the middle. Then came the penalty: 2-1 to Ipswich.
In the second half we brought on Chambers for Sheehan and then later, brought on Collins John and Hayes for tired legs. Ipswich only scored once more and Fulop made some excellent saves. Not surprisingly we were into damage limitation by then and did not threaten their goal.
So what were my thoughts on City until the “penalty”:
- Hume is on form but cannot be expected to create all his chances himself. He is capable of 15 goals per season if we had wingers playing low balls into the box.
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Our central pairing is really good with N’Gotty an excellent replacement if needed.
- I hate to say, it but Clemence is not on form at all at the moment. He demands the ball but nearly always passes back or has too many touches and loses possession. He often slows down a passing move.
The long awaited first start for Kaebi (Picture courtesy of Raymonds/lcfc.com)
- Kaebi at first looked lost but gradually showed some good touches on the ball. Unfortunately he then had to play at right back when we were down to 10 men. I would give him another chance.
- Mattock, despite being under pressure, is fearless and always ready to burst forward and go down the wing. He is going to be a really good player given the right support.
- We play much too narrow and need wingers. Our crosses are generally not from threatening positions.
- We lack creative midfield players.
I am sure Ollie knows this too at the moment and will start to change things in January. Some fans will start to panic as we are so close to the relegation zone.
The last few games could have turned out so different with a bit more luck on our side, so let’s get behind Holloway and the team- it can only get better in 2008!!
Leicester: Fulop, N'Gotty, McAuley, Kisnorbo, Mattock, Kaebi, King (Hayes 73), Clemence, Sheehan (James Chambers 46), Fryatt, Hume (John 73). Subs Not Used: Henderson, Cort.
Sent Off: Kisnorbo (39). Booked: James Chambers. Goals: Hume 27.
Ipswich: Alexander, Wright, De Vos, Wilnis, Sito, Walters (Trotter 80), Garvan, Williams, Haynes, Counago, Lee (Clarke 89). Subs Not Used: Legwinski, Casement, Rhodes.
Goals: Counago 19, Lee 41 pen, Walters 65.
Att: 17,938. Ref: Phil Joslin (Nottinghamshire).
The views expressed in this report are the opinions of the Trust member nominated to file the report only and do not represent the views of the Foxes Trust organisation