Kieran McKenna not looking too far ahead as Ipswich go top of League One

Posted Sunday, September 04, 2022 by PA

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna celebrated their best start for 34 years after a 2-0 win over Accrington which sent them to the top of the League One table – but he won’t get carried away.

Substitute Conor Chaplin scored a 76th minute goal, clipping a Lee Evans corner home, and then Chaplin fired through a sea of bodies on 87 minutes with the deflected effort finding the back of the net.

The goal was given to Wes Burns but McKenna says Chaplin and Freddie Ladapo were also claiming it.

“I am happy for the supporters that have travelled in fantastic numbers and that we have given them a good start and another three points,” said the Town boss.

“We have a good away record and it’s nice to send them home happy. For us, it’s early days, there is still a long way to go.”

Town have won five and drawn two of their seven games so far and McKenna is delighted with his strength in depth, especially in the forward positions.

Chaplin came off the bench on 62 minutes to make a big impact.

“We have got depth going forward, it’s something we wanted to have this year,” McKenna added.

“I think the five sub rules helps us and players know if they do not start they will get a chance to come on and make an impact as Conor did today and Marcus Harness did last week.

“It helps the squad dynamic as they all know they are contributing.

“This is a difficult place to come to and it took a while to find our rhythm but I felt we deserved the win.”

Stanley had a couple of chances with keeper Christian Walton denying Harvey Rodgers and Joe Pritchard in the first half but they have now not scored in successive league home games.

Stanley boss John Coleman was also disappointed his side’s unbeaten record at the Wham Stadium disappeared as more injuries mount up for his side.

“I would love to be in Ipswich’s position with the strikers they have on the bench,” Coleman said.

“For us, we put our striker on, Kody Adedoyin, and a few minutes later he is off with a hamstring injury. Joe Pritchard also came off injured so it is mounting for us.

“I tried everything to bring a striker in last week but it wasn’t to be.

“The disappointing thing today is we defended really well throughout the whole game, against one of the top teams in the league, and then we went to sleep at a set-piece.

“The second goal, we should have had a free kick before it, but we don’t seem to get the rub of the green.”