Lambert remains positive despite rare defeat for leaders Ipswich

Posted Sunday, October 20, 2019 by PA

Ipswich manager Paul Lambert was determined to stay positive after his table-topping side lost their unbeaten Sky Bet League One record with a 2-0 defeat at Accrington.

Stanley striker Colby Bishop scored a double to move the Reds out of the relegation places.

He headed home the first at the far post after Sam Finley played in a perfect cross after 17 minutes.

Defender Toto Nsiala fouled Bishop in the area as both jumped for a ball after 41 minutes and the frontman tucked away the spot-kick to make it seven goals for the season since moving from non-league in the summer.

Ipswich had two chances, through Kayden Jackson and Luke Woolfenden, cleared off the line while both sides were reduced to ten men after 78 minutes.

Defender Ross Sykes saw red for an off-the-ball incident with Town substitute Armando Dobra who was also shown a red card.

“I have been involved in football a long time and it’s about how we bounce back,” said Lambert.

“If we go on another run, 11 games unbeaten, like we have then I will be delighted.

“We have been in really good form, we have been on an unbelievable run, and we knew we would get beaten at one point, you are never going to go the full season unbeaten.

“We are disappointed to lose but it’s not doom and gloom, we are still top of the league, we have been relentless so far this season and even the best teams lose, look at Manchester City the other week.

“It’s about how we react. We did have injuries but that’s not the reason why we lost. We have to take our medicine, dust ourselves down and go again.”

Stanley manager John Coleman was happy as his side had slipped into the relegation places following Saturday’s results.

He said: “I don’t think anyone could argue about the win. I thought we were the better team. We were on the front foot and I thought we looked as though we had more energy.

“Ipswich are a top side and they’ll go up deservedly but they had three of their key players out. That doesn’t detract from the fact we’ve played well but we had to against a really good side.

“Colby’s a physical presence, he held the ball up and won his headers and he has got a good return so far and, by his own admission, it could be better.

“On the sending-offs, I don’t think he has to send either player off. We’ll have to see whether we’ll appeal the red card. It makes us a bit thin on the ground defensively.”