CHAMPIONSHIP: Middlesbrough 3 - 1 Ipswich Town
By Will on 12 September 2009
IPSWICH are still in search of their first win of the season.
Roy Keane handed debuts to all three of his new signings, Grant Leadbitter, Carlos Edwards and Liam Rosenior. However, despite having their moments, Ipswich were utterly outclassed.
Ipswich deserve to be in the relegation zone, but Blues fans have to be patient in looking for their first win of the season.
Middlesbrough had been linked with Ipswich defender, Gareth McAuley - but after the Northern Ireland international was one of the worst performers on the pitch against Boro, they surely will be backing off.
Ipswich went behind early in the first half, when Gary O'Neil lost his marker, McAuley, to slam in a header past Richard Wright.
A succession of yellow cards for Town throughout the first half meant that it was going to be a difficult task in the second half. That, it would prove to be.
On 66, substitute Jeremie Aliadiare got ahead of Gareth McAuley to add another headed goal for Middlesbrough. It was 2-0 to the home side.
Middlesbrough wrapped up the inevitable win in the 85th minute when Aliadiare claimed his second of the game, drilling the ball low into the bottom left corner.
With all lost, Ipswich still did press, and credit to them, earned a penalty late in to stoppage time. Jon Walters stepped up and placed the ball accurately into the net for his third goal of the season.
Ipswich simply could not live with Boro though, and were taught a very similar footballing lesson to that they got against West Brom a few weeks back.
Positives can be taken. Liam Roseniar and Carlos Edwards linking up well down the right throughout. Indeed Edwards was on corner duty and whipped in a number of quality deliveries. Twice McAuley made contact, but saw his efforts go straight to goal line defenders.
Leadbitter and Colback need to work on their partnership still - but it would be unfair to criticise them when they came up against such a superb Middlesbrough midfield opposition.
Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night - and more of a realistic chance of three points. Something Ipswich are in desperate need of. No wins this season yet.
Ipswich Town MOTM: Carlos Edwards - was a threat throughout down the right hand side, linking up well with Liam Rosenior. Great delivery from corners too.
Ipswich Town significant other: Jon Walters - cannot fault the effort. Well taken penalty, and looked a threat quite often.
Middlesbrough MOTM: Marvin Emnes - Caused Ipswich all sorts of problems, and without his contribution, the score might not have been so convincing.