Skip to main contentEnter

Town fans react as BBC describes point against Fulham as a "scrappy draw"

Opinion

The BBC's description of Ipswich Town's 1-1 draw with Fulham as a "scrappy" affair has raised eyebrows among local fans and media alike.

What the BBC said: In his match report, BBC Sport's Huddersfield-based Tim Oscroft described the game as a "scrappy draw" and referenced substitute Omari Hutchinson's late effort, despite him playing the full 90 minutes. This was later corrected.

Liam Delap
Liam Delap's goal was anything but "scrappy"Alamy

Editor's view: I thought the national broadcaster's description of the game as a "scrappy draw" does a disservice to what was, in reality, an impressive showing from a newly promoted side against a solid Premier League team.

The game ebbed and flowed, and I thought both teams displayed moments of real quality.

I thought the team demonstrated resilience, tactical acumen, and a few flashes of brilliance against an established Premier League outfit.

Liam Delap's quality strike, our first Premier League goal at Portman Road in 22 years, was anything but scrappy. Our second-half performance, in particular, showed that we can compete at this level.

What Town fans are saying: Town fans appeared to universally disagree with the BBC's assessment of the game.

Town fan Paul commented: "Who wrote that tosh? Scrappy game? Two sides at it with a great atmosphere made it a very good game which Ipswich edged with a team that is yet to bed in."

John from Suffolk agreed: "Scrappy? What game did Oscroft go to? Both teams played a great game."

Another Town fan, Richard, said "Who writes this nonsense? Scrappy game? You clearly weren’t there. Even match first half with two great goals. Second half mainly Ipswich pushing for the win. Something for Ipswich to build on. Both teams happy with a point in the end."

What Fulham fans are saying: Many Fulham fans were also quick to comment:

One Fulham fan commented: "As a Fulham fan I’m delighted with a point! If I were a Ipswich Town fan I’d be disappointed to only get a point! We had a good 5minute spell and scored the rest was all Ipswich. Chasing and pressing our players into mistakes and errors and making us look like the newly promoted side."

Simon added, "Ipswich you were excellent as a Fulham fan think it's a point gained, if you keep playing like today you will be fine, you've made good signings and Delap and Hutchinson are excellent."

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

Load next article