Ipswich Town responded to a shocking 6-1 defeat in their final pre-season match by producing a 1-0 win in their first competitive match of the season, a home win over Harry Redknapp's Birmingham City. 

Joe Garner's second half strike, five minutes after half time, was enough to secure all three points for the Tractor Boys and ease a degree of the pressure on manager Mick McCarthy that has been building for quite some time and had intensified in the wake of the club's thrashing against League 1 outfit Charlton Athletic last weekend.

Speaking after the game, McCarthy said, "For me it was vital we won and played well. I've had lovely support but there would have been an element waiting for me and I wouldn't blame them because we were rubbish last year. Somebody asked me about my ambition and that is to build a team and win games. I've had lovely support from everybody at the club and the fans. They turned up and it humbles me. It was nice to repay it with a good performance and a win."

Ipswich fans reacted happily, without getting over excited, although many saw there were signs of life, and signs that McCarthy might be able to change the fans' opinion over the course of the season.

Fans also hoped that the injury to Andre Dozzell, who impressed yesterday, is not too serious.

 

Ipswich fans - what did you make of yesterday's game? Let us know in the comments below...