Tim Cutbush's Blog

What is happening to Ipswich Town FC?

Kevin Nolan scored a hat-trick as Newcastle thrashed Ipswich to move two points clear at the top of the Championship table on an afternoon rich in drama and emotion at Portman Road.

There were generous tributes to former Ipswich and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson before the match and during half-time.

But three goals in four first-half minutes from the visiting team ensured that it would be another miserable afternoon on the pitch for Roy Keane’s team.

Nolan opened the scoring with a header and quickly added to that with a composed finish. Ryan Taylor’s free-kick ended the quick-fire scoring spree and ensured the game was over as a contest by the break.

Nolan’s second header of the match shortly after the restart completed his hat-trick and left Keane looking furious as he watched from the home dug-out.

Ipswich have yet to win in the Championship this season and have now made their worst start to a league campaign – a sequence that increases the pressure on Keane to rapidly find a winning formula.