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“We’re not done yet,”- Conor Townsend Breaks Silence on Premier League RELEGATION Fight after FA Cup Penalty Shoot-out Disappointment at Nottingham Forest.
Ipswich full-back Conor Townsend has insisted that the Blues are “nowhere near done” in their battle to stay in the Premier League, despite their heartbreaking FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday.
With survival in the top flight now their primary focus, Kieran McKenna’s team is five points adrift of safety, with a significantly worse goal difference, and just 11 matches left to play.
The FA Cup dream ended in agony as a penalty shootout saw Ipswich miss out on reaching the competition’s quarter-finals for the first time in over 30 years.
Jack Taylor was the only player to miss, with his miss proving decisive in the 10th and final kick.
“It was a tough game,” Townsend said. “We did well in parts, though there are areas we know we can improve.
We came up against a strong Forest team, limited them to very few chances, and took them all the way.
“Penalties can go either way. Sometimes they go for you, sometimes they don’t.
The lads can be proud of their efforts, especially since many of us haven’t played regularly. It was a much-changed team, while they fielded a near full-strength squad.
“That’s what the gaffer always talks about — the strength of the squad and the unity we have. We’re all in it together, and it didn’t fall our way this time. In cup ties, there’s no worse way to go out than penalties.
Neither team really deserved to lose. It was a very even match, and we created problems for them while limiting their opportunities.
“We have to take the positives from this. The short cup run has been beneficial, especially for the lads who haven’t played much. It’s given the squad vital minutes and ensured everyone is ready to step in when needed.
“We have to use this experience for the final 11 league games. It’s far from over. As a squad, we need to stick together, and we will. We’re disappointed we couldn’t win in normal or extra time.
I’m not sure about the [Liam] Delap penalty decision, I haven’t seen it back, but at the time, it seemed like a penalty. But those decisions are out of our hands.
“Ultimately, we can be proud of our performance tonight. The key now is to channel this into the last 11 games and give everything. We need to make sure we leave the season with no regrets.”
Ipswich took the lead through George Hirst’s third goal of the season, but Ryan Yates equalized for Forest just 14 minutes later, and the match went all the way to penalties.
Taylor’s miss in the shootout saw Forest advance, with Townsend and his teammates offering their support to the disappointed midfielder.
“It takes a lot of courage to step up and take a penalty,” Townsend added. “You’ll never hear any of the lads criticize Tayls for missing. It’s part of football, and it’s just the way it unfolded.
“We’re a tight-knit group, and Tayls is obviously gutted. But as you saw from the team’s reaction, our strength is in our cohesion and camaraderie.
We’ve remained close-knit even after a lot of changes in the summer. That unity will be key for the final 11 games.
“The goal this season was always survival, and the FA Cup run was a bonus. We’re still in the fight.
We’ve got Wolves at home next, and we’re not giving up. We’ll stick together, and hopefully, we can start picking up results.”
Townsend’s return to the Premier League last summer followed a long spell at West Bromwich Albion, but his appearances have largely been limited to cup competitions due to Leif Davis’s consistent form in the league.
The 32-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, said:
“It’s been a bit different for me this season. For the last six years at West Brom, I played every minute I possibly could. I knew what I was signing up for here.
At first, my role was to push Leif and be the best teammate I could. I’ve done that, and Leif has been fantastic all season. There’s no issue from me.
“My job has been to stay ready in case Leif gets injured or goes off form, but he’s been excellent. For me, it’s been about being a solid part of the squad, offering my experience, and keeping sharp for when I’m called upon.
I’ve had more minutes in recent weeks due to Leif’s injury and illness, and I feel like I’ve stepped in and done my job. I hope the fans have seen that.
“It’s tough following Leif because he’s very attacking-minded, but I’ve got my own strengths, and I know I can still contribute to the team. Whatever role I’m asked to play in the final 11 games, I’ll give it my all.
“I’m feeling confident. I was at West Brom for a long time, and when the opportunity came to return to the Premier League, I couldn’t turn it down.
From the moment I signed, I could feel the positivity around the club and the town. The atmosphere during the Liverpool game was electric, and it’s been great to be part of that.
“I’m determined to help give the fans something to celebrate by keeping us in the league. It feels like many are writing us off, but we’re far from finished.”
