RamZone match reporter I.Saw took the trip to Ipswich only to see Paul Jewell put one over his former club in controversial circumstances.
Thoughts on Ipswich 1 - Derby 0
Barely had we regained our seats, scoffed our free mince pies and sipped at our lukewarm coffee at the start of the second half before this game was grabbed, shook up and throw back at us.
For thirty eight seconds after Ipswich kicked off we were safe, then the Officials stopped, had a word or two together and awarded a goal to Ipswich.
It was a harsh decision in the manner it was awarded even if the Assistant Referee was correct that the ball had crossed the line. No flag was raised, no indication given until the chit chats many seconds later. Even the tannoy announced the goal was “accredited to Keith Andrews” as if they didn’t know either.
We felt cheated, pure and simple.
What followed was Derby trying desperately to get back into the game, the addition of Theo Robinson, two up front. We slung on Nathan Tyson, three attackers. Then by the end Jason Shackell added his weight as a centre forward, to make it four in a line.
A valiant attempt perhaps but the real need was for a quality ball into the forwards and on that front the Rams were sadly lacking.
Our normal provider Jamie Ward was expertly handled by Carlos Edwards, through out the whole game Ward only managing to escape his marker on a couple of occasions. Craig Bryson had a good shot well saved but otherwise a quiet game.
Still it normally takes more than one man to influence a result, today it needed two.
Rams Man Of The Match:
Gareth Roberts - Possibly not a popular choice but for me had an excellent game at left full back.
Referee:
David Webb - 6/10. Started this game by trying to allow the football to flow. Consequently let rather too much go for my tastes with a penchant for favouring the Tractor Boys.
The major call was the goal, whether the ball had or had not crossed the line the communications between the Officials was unclear and poor.