Ipswich 0 Brighton 2: Tractor Boys fall into drop zone without rivals PLAYING as Mitoma and Rutter earn Seagulls win
KAORU MITOMA delivered relief for Brighton in another harsh lesson for Ipswich.
The Japan international’s first goal since November inspired a first win in nine Premier League games for the Seagulls.
Georginio Rutter made sure of the much needed win from the bench, lifting the mood and sending them back into the top half.
And, at the fourth attempt, it was the first win they had managed over a promoted club this season.
Not that Ipswich played like a side fresh from the Championship – they just finished like one.
Kieran McKenna’s men had Brighton on the ropes for a lot of this contest, but lacked the knockout blow when they needed it.
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His opener damaged Ipswich’s resolve and Rutter made sure of the three points eight minutes from time.
Town signed winger Jaden Philogene in a £20million deal from Aston Villa on Wednesday, but last night’s game came too soon for the new man.
Despite Hurzeler saying it would be a risk to start him, Joao Pedro returned to lead the line for Brighton.
There is a real sense around Portman Road that they might just be able to defy the odds and beat the drop this season.
But early on they were sitting off Brighton, not showing the sort of attacking verve which has provided that hope.
But for all of the Seagulls’ early possession, they could not craft a clear opening and it was the hosts who provided the first spark of action.
After some strong and smart centre-forward play by Liam Delap, Nathan Broadhead stepped towards the Brighton defence, cut inside and saw a low effort just palmed around the far post by Bart Verbruggen.
His effort brought the Sir Bobby Robson Stand to life, giving McKenna’s men the backing they needed.
With their tails up, Ipswich started finding gaps to exploit. Omari Hutchinson scared the Brighton back line before, from a similar position to Broadhead, Delap also drew a save from Verbruggen.
Brighton were struggling to get a handle on the hosts whenever they added some pace to the attack, and Hutchinson was a particular problem.
The former Chelsea man found space one the edge of the area but was again denied by Verbruggen, who did well to get down to the powerful strike.
Town continued to trouble the Seagulls after the break with Hutchinson twisting and turning on the left, while Delap was booked after being caught giving Joel Veltman a nudge in the ribs off the ball.
At the other end, Pedro tried to copy the dark arts. First by diving under pressure from Dara O’Shea before leading with his shoulder in a nasty collision with keeper Christian Walton.
And having taken an almighty knock, the keeper was at fault for Brighton’s opener.
Jacob Greaves missed a challenge down the left which allowed Yasin Ayari to roam free and cut back for Matt O’Riley.
Instead of pulling the trigger the summer signing kept his cool and squared for Mitoma, whose shot somehow squeezed under the body of Walton – an effort he should have stopped.
It was evidence of the quality gap when it really matters. Ipswich had created all the significant chances, Brighton had not had a real sniff, certainly nothing you could call clear cut.
Yet they made it count, and Ipswich had not.
There is greater depth in Hurzeler’s squad too. After Pedro drew a fine stop from Walton on the turn, he was replaced by Rutter – who made sure of the result.
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From a wide free-kick, Danny Welbeck – another sub – fumbled the ball towards the Frenchman who turned and finished from close range.
If the hope of survival is to persist in Suffolk, they must find the temperament to grab hold of games when they are on top.