Jack Clarke celebrates after putting Town ahead. (Image: Ross Halls)
Much of what came out of Saturday’s game summed us up perfectly at present.
For 45 minutes, we were excellent. Unusually, it was the first half that had us purring for a change. The inevitable worry at the break was would one goal be enough. That question was answered and then the second period saw us drop off. In the end, we were grateful for a point.
Firstly, credit to Millwall. After a very ordinary first half, they were excellent in the second period and deserved a draw. They changed their system and were in our faces. You can see why they are also challenging for promotion.
As for us, the game mirrored much of the 36 league games before it. We still wait for this side to really show their true worth consistently across 90 minutes. But I do not want to be too hasty. After all, I am of the glass half full kind.
There were some extenuating circumstances that contributed to our lack of not firing on all cylinders. The quartet of Leif Davis, Cedric Kipre, Wes Burns and Marcelino Nunez would start most games when all available. Going into such a high-octane game without any of them was always going to present a challenge.
Jacob Greaves heads the ball away. (Image: Ross Halls)
That said, Ben Johnson and Jacob Greaves did an excellent job at the back. The latter kept danger man Femi Azeez quiet. And in that first period, we hardly missed Messrs Nunez and Burns. Where we missed them most was our substitutions made insignificant impact to lift us. Thankfully, there is a good chance that three of those missing will be back for our next game.
It was also noticeable that Jaden Philogene is nowhere near back to full fitness and moving Jack Clarke to accommodate him failed to pay dividends.
In the end, Millwall came close to winning and the point on the back of Middlesbrough’s failure to win at Blackburn could still prove very vital. It is not all doom and gloom. Matters are still in our own hands.
Jaden Philogene has made two cameo appearances since returning from injury. (Image: Ross Halls)
But from here on, I am starting to feel a little bit concerned. The break to our next game on Easter Monday will help players recover, especially those with niggles to overcome. But by then, what will our position in the table look like?
The postponement of the Good Friday game at Southampton is one we could have done without. Middlesbrough facing Millwall that day will stop one side from obtaining three points. It will be very handy if that finishes in a draw. Hull go to Oxford and the hope will be that the hosts will pull off a much-needed win in their quest to avoid relegation.
Millwall then play again on Monday before our game kicks-off. If they were to win both their Easter fixtures, that would put them six points ahead of us. We would have three games in hand though. But I would rather have the points in the bag at this stage of the season. On Easter Monday, the Lions play Norwich. Should we be hoping for our friends up the road to do us a bit of a favour?
Our congested run-in does worry me too. Eight games in 27 days with five on the road will be tough. Our recent history at the likes of Norwich and West Brom is not good. Anything can happen at Charlton, while Southampton will be difficult. Throw in a massive home fixture with Middlesbrough and you can see why it will be a huge effort from us to prevail.
Can we do it? Yes, you bet we can. But we need more than 45 minutes of complete football to succeed. We have the manager and we have the players. Get those four names back, a bit of luck with no more injuries and we can still have a glorious end to the season. It is going to be a frenetic last month.
Darren Bent has been inducted into Ipswich Town’s Hall of Fame. (Image: NQ)
Meanwhile, congratulations to Darren Bent who was inducted into the ITFC Hall of Fame along with club stalwart Peter Over. It is always great to see the club recognise people away from the pitch and it was fitting that Over, who was a trustee of the Ipswich Town Foundation, was recognised on the eve of the club’s Foundation game.