Report: Town 1-2 Cardiff
By Aston
December 13 2008
Town slumped to their first home defeat in 10 games earlier today after Cardiff City left Portman Road 2-1 winners earlier this afternoon.
Town made two changes from the side that beat Bristol City in mid-week, Alex Bruce was suspended and replaced by Richard Naylor, David Wright was suffering with a chest infection and was replaced at left back by Ben Thatcher.
Cardiff took the lead early in the first half, Jay Bothroyd made the most of a hashed clearance by Gareth McAuley, who could only send Wayne Routledge's cross into the air and down to the feet of Bothroyd who was happy to send the ball into the net.
Ben Thatcher came close for Town, his effort from 25-yards was well saved by Peter Enckelman in the Cardiff goal.
Cardiff came close to a second goal after Moritz Volz was left by Chopra who found his way round Richard Wright before shooting, only to see Gareth McAuley track back and clear the ball off the line, injuring himself in the process.
McAuley's injury sadly turned out to be in vein as just a couple of minutes later Cardiff were awarded a free-kick which Town failed to deal with allowing Gyepes to fire low into the net.
Town somehow managed to pull a goal back late in the first half, Jon Stead scored his 6th goal of the season after he headed home Jon Walters' cross from the right hand side.
Town were lucky not to have gone 3-1 behind on a number of occasions in the second half, but some quick defending by Richard Naylor denied Eddie Johnson while a fantastic save from Richard Wright kept Jay Bothroyd out.
Ben Thatcher picked up his first booking since joining Town in the 65th minute and promptly followed it up with another two minutes later for a foul on Wayne Routledge. Thatcher will now missed next Saturday's trip to Coventry.
Town manager Jim Magilton reacted to the loss of Thatcher by changing Town to a 4-3-2 formation with Pim Balkestein coming on for Pablo Counago and taking up Thatcher's position at left back, Danny Haynes came on for Jon Stead and was joined up front by Jon Walters.
The new players made an effort but Cardiff were certainly the better side and managed to keep hold of all three points and record their first win at Portman Road since 1946.
Ipswich: Richard Wright, Volz, McAuley, Naylor, Thatcher, Walters, Norris, Ambrose, Shumulikoski (Garvan 61), Stead (Haynes 70), Counago (Balkestein 70).
Subs Not Used: Supple, Lisbie.
Sent Off: Thatcher (68).
Booked: Thatcher, Garvan, Balkestein.
Goals: Stead 42.
Cardiff: Enckelman, McNaughton, Gyepes, Roger Johnson, Rae, Routledge, Parry, Ledley, Kennedy, Bothroyd, Chopra (Eddie Johnson 35), Eddie Johnson (McPhail 83).
Subs Not Used: Heaton, Comminges, Scimeca.
Goals: Bothroyd 9, Gyepes 26.
Attendance: 19,665
Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire).
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