Andy Munro gets angry with the man in black at St Andrews.
Ipswich are a decent side and, at times, gave us problems – particularly the awkward Connor Salmon. Nethertheless Blues undoubtedly were worthy of edging three points but didn’t get that reward thanks to the man in black, or is that pink, or turquoise or yellow? These days it seems anything goes to highlight the ref. However, this ref was intent on making an impression through his decisions rather than his apparel.
A cameo of the last ten minutes says it all. Robbo tackles hard but clean and gets penalised and a booking; Caddis is tripped in the penalty area and the ref plays on; Denny Johnson is held back in a half nelson in the penalty area and the ref plays on; and then the ref plays an extra five minutes when a physio has only been fleetingly on the pitch once.
It just seems that decisions never seem to go in favour of the Blues. Is it because we are an unfashionable club with a reputation (Brummie Bashers, Zulus and so on)? Certainly, I noted with annoyance that when the ‘trendy’ BBC (Radio 5) did a resume of the night’s forthcoming Championship clashes, they mentioned them all except for Blues v Ipswich.
As regards the game, the first half was a tight and competitive affair and a little disjointed with Blues slightly the better side. However, the deadlock was broken by Dave Edgar who was left unmarked to score the sort of simple header that I’ve often seen Ziggy miss.
The second period saw Ipswich up their game no doubt having been given a half time ear bashing by Mad Mick. Their equaliser was poor from a Blues viewpoint as Berra stole in to flick the ball home from a needlessly conceded free kick. On the topic of the defence, however,the back four generally looked solid particularly Hall and Edgar. At full back, whilst Grounds was more than competent, it was a pity that Spector’s undoubted tackling prowess isn’t matched by his distribution.
In the middle, Cotterill had one of his less effective games and Davis came off presumably as a precaution as he continued to impress. Up front, Donaldson and Thomas battled away ably supported by Lee Novak who ran himself almost into the ground.
Clayton Donaldson’s goal was a cameo of his all round play and quality. Running from just inside the opposition half, he outpaced the Ipswich defence before coolly slotting past the onrushing keeper. It was a goal worthy of winning any game but unfortunately, thanks to the officials, it wasn’t to be.
There are signs of a reasonable season but playing Brentford, on their small pitch will be a difficult and different proposition. One word on the size of the crowd – pathetic. The days of being proud of our supporter base are long gone. Too many Blues ‘fans’ can’t be bothered anymore even with, at times, dirt cheap ticket prices. A tragedy but I suppose a sign of the times. Why bother to support a ‘proper’ club when you can sit on your arse with a piece of pizza and watch Manchester City and the Arsenal.