Ipswich Town skipper Dara O’Shea didn’t hide his frustration after the Blues’ 2–1 loss to Middlesbrough on Friday night, describing the performance as “loose” and below their usual standards.
Kieran McKenna’s side were chasing their first away victory of the season, but the night unraveled despite Cedric Kipré’s early own goal that came soon after George Hirst saw his penalty saved. Morgan Whittaker doubled Boro’s advantage shortly after the restart, leaving O’Shea’s late header as nothing more than consolation.
“It was really frustrating,” O’Shea admitted post-match. “We created enough in the first half to take control, but we let the game become too open. That’s not us. Missing the penalty gave them a lift and we just lost our grip on things after that.”
The Irish defender lamented the team’s lack of defensive compactness and intensity, elements that have been central to their identity. “They were hitting us on the break far too often. Normally, we’re the ones dictating play and pressing with energy. We just didn’t do it for the full 90 minutes, and in this league, you get punished.”
Ipswich had the better of the early chances, including a header from Sammie Szmodics cleared off the line, but failure to convert cost them dearly. “That’s football,” O’Shea said. “If you don’t take your chances, it comes back to bite you. We let the game slip away and that’s the most disappointing thing.”
He praised goalkeeper Alex Palmer, who made several key stops to keep Ipswich in the contest. “Alex was brilliant today. It’s tough because he deserved a clean sheet, not to concede twice. We’ve got to take more responsibility as a team.”
The result extends Ipswich’s winless run on the road. They are still searching for their first away victory — and even their first away lead — of the campaign. O’Shea admitted it’s an issue the players are desperate to fix.
“It’s something we’ve spoken about,” he said. “Our away form hasn’t been good enough. We’re close — it’s not like we’re miles off it. Nights like this are tough, but we’ve got to find a way to grind out results.”
O’Shea did at least register his first goal for the club, a glancing near-post header from Marcelino Núñez’s corner, but it offered little comfort. “It’s nice to finally get one, but it doesn’t mean much when we lose. I’ve been working on that run and finish, so hopefully more will come — but I’d trade it for three points.”
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s home clash with Charlton Athletic, where Ipswich will look to make it four consecutive wins at Portman Road.
“The good thing about this league is you don’t have long to dwell,” O’Shea concluded. “We’re back at home next, and that’s our chance to put things right. We know our potential — we just haven’t reached it yet, and we won’t be satisfied until we do.”