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

Dive into Ladbrokes’ 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.

Blimey, what a cracking match at Portman Road! Ipswich Town clinched a 2-1 victory over Portsmouth, extending their unbeaten run at home. Jaden Philogene-Bidace got the Tractor Boys rolling early with a goal in the 9th minute, and George Hirst added another just before halftime. Despite a late scare from Marlon Pack's injury-time goal, Ipswich held firm. This result wasn't a shocker, considering their recent form, but it's a testament to their grit and determination to keep pushing forward.

Portsmouth, on the other hand, will be gutted. They've now lost three on the trot, and this defeat will sting, especially after coming so close to snatching a draw at the death. Their recent results show a team struggling to find consistency, and today's match was no different. Credit to them for fighting till the end, but it's clear they need to sort things out if they want to climb the table.

The stats paint a picture of a closely contested match, with both teams sharing 50% possession. Ipswich edged out Portsmouth in corners (5 to 4) and successful dribbles (38% to 33%), which might have been the difference maker. The yellow cards were a bit higher for Portsmouth (2 to 1), showing perhaps a bit more desperation on their part. Overall, the stats align well with the result, showing a hard-fought game where Ipswich just managed to keep their noses in front.

The game kicked off with a bang when Jaden Philogene-Bidace found the net in the 9th minute, setting the tone for Ipswich. George Hirst then doubled the lead in the 41st minute, a crucial moment that gave the Tractor Boys a comfortable cushion going into halftime. These early goals were pivotal, putting Portsmouth on the back foot and forcing them to chase the game.

Portsmouth's late surge was sparked by Marlon Pack's goal in the 90+2nd minute, injecting drama into the final moments. Despite this, Ipswich's earlier goals proved too much to overcome. The substitutions made by both teams in the second half added fresh legs, but it was Ipswich's early strikes that ultimately decided the match.

Ipswich lined up with a solid 4-2-3-1, and there were no real surprises in the starting XI. Jaden Philogene and George Hirst were the standout performers, both finding the back of the net. The five substitutions made by manager Kieran McKenna in the second half, including Ivan Azón Monzón and Marcelino Ignacio Nuñez Espinoza, helped maintain the team's energy and control. Sindre Walle Egeli picked up a yellow card, but overall, it was a disciplined performance from the Tractor Boys.

Portsmouth also went with a 4-2-3-1, and their lineup was as expected. Andre Dozzell and Luke Le Roux both received yellow cards, indicating a bit of frustration creeping in. The substitutions of Marlon Pack and John Swift in the 62nd minute brought some much-needed energy, and Pack's late goal nearly salvaged a point. Despite their efforts, the team couldn't overcome the early deficit, and it's back to the drawing board for them.

Event Lineups

George Hirst is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match, and rightly so. His goal in the 41st minute was crucial in securing the victory for Ipswich, and he also created a big chance and made a key pass. Hirst's performance was the difference maker, showing his importance to the team and why he's a player to watch.

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 comfortably in 12th place with 9 points, Ipswich will be looking to build on this win when they face Bristol City, who are in 5th with 12 points, on September 30, 2025. This result will boost their confidence, and they'll be aiming to keep their momentum going against a strong opponent.

Dropping to 17th with 8 points, Portsmouth need to regroup quickly before their next match against Watford, who are in 15th with 8 points, on October 01, 2025. This loss will be a wake-up call, and they'll need to find a way to turn their form around if they want to climb the table.

• 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.