Ipswich Town need to focus on promotion push after customary early cup exit

Well isn’t this a familiar feeling. We’ve all become accustomed to Ipswich Town crashing out of cups early and to be honest, I can’t say I’m too bothered.

Town’s 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham wasn’t a surprise, and considering we fielded a team of fringe players and the visitors had World Cup winners on the pitch, perhaps a 1-0 deficit isn’t that bad.

I don’t want to dwell too much on the defeat as, in fairness, there wouldn’t be enough to write about! But it’s crucial now Town put a dull Portman Road evening behind them and look to bounce back this weekend.

After Sunday’s 2-0 victory at home to Wigan, I think we can all agree that although we’re happy to have the three points, we know the Blues were slightly fortunate to come through that one and will need to improve if they are to challenge for promotion this year.

It’s always nice to start with a win, not to mention a clean sheet, but on another day Wigan could have easily spoiled the party and I’m sure Paul Lambert will know his defence needs to shut the door a little tighter.

That said, some of the football on show was very pleasing to watch and if Freddie Sears had his shooting boots on, he could’ve arguably scored one of the team goals of the season, after some glorious work by Andre Dozzell and Alan Judge.

It seems ironic that tomorrow we are at Bristol Rovers, who were our last opponents before the pandemic. And after trouncing them 3-0 in the first competitive fixture earlier this month, we’ll go into this one as favourites.

The Pirates gained a respectable draw at Sunderland and will be confident of taking more points this weekend.

Possessing some decent players in their ranks, including former Ipswich and Bury boy Ed Upson, this won’t be easy.

But if we are serious about promotion, it’s the type of game we must win.