Walt a gift for Lambo as he grabs first win
A HOWLER by Wigan keeper Christian Walton gifted Paul Lambert’s Ipswich their first home win of the season.
Walton made a hash of trying to stop Freddie Sears’
20-yard shot. Despite being hit straight at him, a slight deflection completely fooled the keeper and the ball went through his arms.
Lambert did not care how his first win came after taking over from Paul Hurst seven games ago and hailed his side’s resilience
“I had a feeling our first win would be a scrappy one because we have been playing so well and dominating the ball, dominating games,” said Lambert. “Sometimes you get games where you have to put your shoulder in and see things through.
“I thought we did that and defending-wise we were excellent.”
Latics’ boss Paul Cook lamented their eighth loss in nine away games and felt his side deserved better.
Cook said: “I didn’t think we were ever in any danger of losing the game.
“We never deserved to lose but great credit to Ipswich – it’s a big result for them – but we weren’t under any pressure. Our away record is very disappointing but this is a tough league and you don’t get given anything.
“We’re an almost team away from home and have lost so many games by the odd goal that we haven’t deserved to lose.”
A bitterly cold, strong wind made it difficult for both teams. There was a lot of rubbish on the pitch and the amount of litter being blown about did not help either.
Ipswich dominated early possession but failed to work Wigan keeper Walton until his
67th-minute blunder.
As for Latics, they took their time to get into the game and full-back Nathan Byrne came closest to scoring – hitting the crossbar with a wicked, swerving shot before Ipswich found their breakthrough.
Town keeper Dean Gerken made three good stops as his side held on for their first win at Portman Road since Mick McCarthy’s last game in charge in April.