Ipswich Town 2-1 Portsmouth: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Ipswich Town 2-1 Portsmouth in the Championship on Saturday, 27 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Ipswich Town secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Portsmouth at home, extending their winning streak to two games. The match saw early goals from Jaden Philogene-Bidace in the 9th minute and George Hirst in the 41st, setting a strong pace for the hosts. Despite a late push from Portsmouth, with Marlon Pack scoring in the 90+2nd minute, Ipswich managed to hold on for the win. This result was not entirely surprising given Ipswich's recent form, which included a convincing 5-0 win over Sheffield United, and it showcased their ability to maintain composure under pressure.

Portsmouth, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the loss, which marks their third consecutive game without a win. Their recent results have been inconsistent, with a loss to Sheffield Wednesday and a draw against Southampton preceding this defeat. The late goal from Marlon Pack offered a glimmer of hope, but it was too little too late. This match highlighted the need for Portsmouth to find more consistency if they are to climb the Championship table.

The statistics from the match reflect a closely contested game, with both teams sharing 50% possession. Ipswich Town managed to convert their opportunities more effectively, as evidenced by their two goals compared to Portsmouth's one. The hosts also had a slight edge in corners, with five to Portsmouth's four, indicating a bit more pressure in the attacking third. The yellow card count, with Portsmouth receiving two to Ipswich's one, suggests a slightly more disciplined performance from the home side, which could have played a role in their ability to secure the win.

The game's early momentum was set by Jaden Philogene-Bidace's goal in the 9th minute, giving Ipswich Town a crucial lead. This was followed by George Hirst's goal in the 41st minute, which doubled their advantage and put them in a strong position at halftime. These early strikes were pivotal in shaping the outcome of the match, as they forced Portsmouth to chase the game. Despite a late surge from Portsmouth, with Marlon Pack scoring in the 90+2nd minute, it was not enough to overturn the deficit.

Portsmouth's substitutions in the second half, including Marlon Pack and John Swift in the 62nd minute, aimed to change the game's dynamics. Pack's late goal showed some effectiveness from these changes, but the earlier goals by Ipswich proved too much to overcome. The yellow cards received by Andre Dozzell and Luke Le Roux may have disrupted their rhythm, contributing to their struggle to mount a comeback until the very end.

Ipswich Town lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Alex Palmer in goal and a backline of Darnell Furlong, Dara O'Shea, Cédric Kipré, and Leif Davis. The midfield was anchored by Azor Matusiwa and Jens Cajuste, with Sindre Walle Egeli playing just behind the forwards. Jaden Philogene and Sammie Szmodics supported striker George Hirst. The lineup was largely expected, with no major surprises. The impact of the substitutions, particularly Ivan Azón Monzón and Marcelino Ignacio Nuñez Espinoza, helped maintain the team's shape and energy in the latter stages of the game.

Portsmouth also opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Josef Bursik between the posts and a defense consisting of Zak Swanson, Josh Knight, Regan Poole, and Connor Ogilvie. The midfield duo of Luke Le Roux and Andre Dozzell provided the base, with Márk Kosznovszky, Adrian Segecic, and Min-hyeok Yang supporting striker Colby Bishop. The lineup was as expected, but the substitutions made in the second half, including Marlon Pack and John Swift, were aimed at injecting fresh legs and creativity. Despite these changes, Portsmouth struggled to break down Ipswich's defense until the very end.

Event Lineups

George Hirst is Coral’s Man of the Match, and his performance justified this accolade. Scoring a crucial goal in the 41st minute, Hirst played a pivotal role in securing the victory for Ipswich Town. Additionally, his contribution to the team's attack was notable, with one big chance created and one key pass, demonstrating his all-around impact on the game.

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Portsmouth (H)

• Win: 5-0 vs Sheffield United (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Derby County (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Preston North End (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Southampton (H)

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Ipswich Town (A)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Sheffield Wednesday (H)

• Draw: 0-0 vs Southampton (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Preston North End (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)

Sitting at 12th in the league with 9 points, Ipswich Town will face Bristol City, who are in 5th place with 12 points, on September 30, 2025. This recent win against Portsmouth should boost their confidence as they prepare to take on a strong Bristol City side. They will need to maintain their focus and intensity to continue climbing the table.

Portsmouth find themselves in 17th place with 8 points after this loss. Their next match is against Watford, who are in 15th place with 8 points, on October 01, 2025. This defeat highlights the need for Portsmouth to regroup and find a way to secure more consistent results if they are to improve their standing in the Championship.

• Birmingham Vs Sheffield Wednesday

• Hull City Vs Preston

• Sheffield United Vs Southampton

• Blackburn Rovers Vs Swansea

• Leicester City Vs Wrexham

• Middlesbrough Vs Stoke City

• Bristol City Vs Ipswich Town

• Derby County Vs Charlton

• Millwall Vs Coventry

• Portsmouth Vs Watford

• Norwich City Vs West Brom

• QPR Vs Oxford Utd

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.