Ipswich boss Paul Lambert: We have to be more ruthless

Posted Wednesday, February 12, 2020 by PA

Ipswich boss Paul Lambert cut a frustrated figure as his side failed to haul themselves back into the play-off places following a goalless draw at AFC Wimbledon.

Cardiff loanee Joe Day was the Dons’ hero, with the goalkeeper denying James Norwood twice and saving further efforts from Freddie Sears and Will Keane as the Tractor Boys saw their winless run stretch to four games.

With just two goals in their last five Sky Bet League One outings, the lack of a clinical edge is a concern, but Lambert could not fault his players’ application and feels his side will turn a corner soon.

“The chances we had were huge, so it was very disappointing not to get the win,” the Scot said.

“We controlled the game and played some good football. We got the ball in the right areas, but it’s about putting the ball into the net and we didn’t do that.

“We have to be more ruthless. I’m not going to have a go at players though. We have to stick together.

“I’m 100 per cent confident we have the players to score goals because they have shown they can, but we have to start winning games, we know that.

“We have to go again on Saturday. The expectation will be there, but you have to stand up and be counted. You have to do that when you are playing for a big club like this one.”

Lambert’s opposite number, Glyn Hodges, was delighted with a dogged display from his side that sees them remain six points clear of 21st-placed Tranmere.

“You look at the Ipswich side that came down here. They’ve just come down from the Championship with aspirations to go up and they will be there or thereabouts, so to keep a clean sheet means it’s definitely a point gained,” he said.

“[Joe Day] was tremendous, but every player to a man put the blocks in, put their head in, did the ugly side of the game and a few grew up out there today. It was a physical game with a lot of long balls that we had to deal with. The players showed courage to try and play our football. It didn’t always work, but the character was magnificent.”

Day was deservedly awarded man of the match and will be glad to be getting games under his belt after struggling for minutes in the Championship.

“He’s an experienced goalkeeper who has played in this division and the division below and knows the game,” said Hodges.

“I keep going on about how young we are, but it’s nice to have our team sprinkled with experience. He made some good saves and it calms everybody down.

“You’re defending for your lives, you’re trying to block, you’re trying to put your body on the line, but one gets through and it’s nice that the goalkeeper can match it.

“Tuesday nights are always a great atmosphere here. The boys enjoy playing under the lights. The conditions weren’t great and it wasn’t a game for the purists, but it was still a top, top performance for me.”