Ipswich Town’s patchy return to Championship life hit another bump on Friday night, as the recently relegated side slipped to a 2-1 defeat against an impressive Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Kieran McKenna’s men had shown promising signs in recent weeks, putting together a five-match unbeaten run that reminded many why they were widely tipped for a swift return to the Premier League. But on Teesside, their momentum came to an abrupt end. A Cedric Kipre own goal and Morgan Whittaker’s first strike since joining Boro from Plymouth Argyle nine months ago handed the hosts a deserved victory, despite Dara O’Shea’s late header giving the visitors brief hope.
The match’s turning point arguably came late in the first half when George Hirst saw his penalty saved by Sol Brynn. From that moment on, the game swung in Boro’s favour. Hirst — one of the few players to have featured for Ipswich across their League One, Premier League, and Championship eras — has endured a tough spell in front of goal, and his miss only added to growing frustration.
Fan pundit Adam Wilkin, speaking to Football League World, believes McKenna must now take decisive action ahead of Tuesday’s clash with an in-form Charlton Athletic side.
“I think now is the perfect time to drop George Hirst from the starting lineup,” Wilkin said. “He’s missing too many big chances, and with three games in a week, Charlton seems the right match to give him a rest. Ivan Azon should come in — he’s impressed off the bench and offers more natural finishing and stronger hold-up play.”
Azon, a summer loan signing from Serie A outfit Como, has featured mainly as a substitute so far but caught the eye with his energy and physicality. His only start came against Bristol City, where he was one of Ipswich’s brighter performers. With Hirst struggling for form and confidence, the Spaniard’s inclusion could inject fresh impetus into the front line.
Ipswich’s attacking talents — including Jaden Philogene, Sammie Szmodics, and Sindre Walle Egeli — all struggled to make an impact against Middlesbrough, and McKenna will be keen to see a much sharper display at Portman Road.
With 36 games still to play, there is plenty of time to re-establish consistency, but Friday’s loss served as a reminder that promotion ambitions require both ruthlessness and adaptability. A strong reaction against Charlton would be the perfect way to start.