Brentford snatch victory over Ipswich in incredible goal-fest without Yarmolenko
Brentford survived a scare to snatch a thrilling 4-3 victory over Ipswich Town in a pulsating Carabao Cup second round clash at Portman Road on Tuesday night.
The Bees, without injured winger Andriy Yarmolenko, raced into a 2-0 lead through strikes from Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo, but Ipswich hit back to level through goals from Kayden Jackson and Conor Chaplin.
Mbeumo restored Brentford's lead early in the second half, only for Ipswich to equalize again through Wes Burns. However, substitute Keane Lewis-Potter popped up with a dramatic winner in the 89th minute to send the Bees through to the next round.
Brentford made a lively start and took the lead after just four minutes when Wissa slotted home from close range after being set up by Mbeumo. The visitors doubled their advantage in the 20th minute when Mbeumo fired in a low drive from the edge of the box.
Ipswich pulled a goal back just before the half-hour mark when Jackson headed in from a corner. And the Tractor Boys were level in the 37th minute when Chaplin scored with a fine individual effort.
Brentford regained the lead shortly after the restart when Mbeumo converted a penalty after being fouled in the box. But Ipswich refused to lie down and Burns equalized for the second time in the 65th minute.
The game looked to be heading for a penalty shootout, but Lewis-Potter had other ideas. The striker, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, fired home a superb winner from the edge of the box to send the Bees through to the next round.
Key Moments
- 4' GOAL! Wissa gives Brentford the lead
- 20' GOAL! Mbeumo doubles Brentford's advantage
- 29' GOAL! Jackson pulls one back for Ipswich
- 37' GOAL! Chaplin equalizes for Ipswich
- 49' GOAL! Mbeumo restores Brentford's lead (penalty)
- 65' GOAL! Burns equalizes for Ipswich (again)
- 89' GOAL! Lewis-Potter wins it for Brentford
Reaction
"It was a great win for us," said Brentford head coach Thomas Frank. "We showed great character to come back from 2-0 down and then again from 3-3. We created a lot of chances and deserved to win in the end."
"We're delighted to be through to the next round," said Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna. "We showed great spirit to come back from 2-0 down, but unfortunately we couldn't quite get over the line."
