Kalvin Phillips scored his first goal since December 2023 as Ipswich beat Bristol Rovers 3-0 in the third round of the FA Cup at Portman Road.
The defensive midfielder showed signs of his best as his curled finish put Kieran McKenna’s men on track to overcome their Sky Bet League One visitors with further goals coming courtesy of Jack Clarke and Jack Taylor before half-time.
Town eased off after the break but missed the chance for a fourth when Ali Al-Hamadi scuffed a penalty wide of the post after a handball in the area.
The quality of Phillips helped Ipswich dominate the ball in the early stages and a neat switch out wide by the Manchester City loanee was eventually worked in to the unmarked Taylor, who swung wildly and let Rovers off the hook after 15 minutes.
Phillips’ pedigree was on full display as he received the ball outside the area and the England international responded to shouts of “shoot” with a whipped effort which flashed past goalkeeper Josh Griffiths and into the bottom-right corner.
Kalvin Phillips scores to give Ipswich the lead against Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup
Ipswich’s press forced Rovers into continuous errors as they defended from the front to grab another. Left-back Lino Sousa received the ball on the turn and took too long in possession, allowing blue shirts to intercept his wayward back pass as Clarke was poised to tap home.
Rovers’ back-line was not at the level to compete with their Premier League hosts.
Taylor appeared to be in an offside position for Ipswich’s third but with no VAR and little attempt by the visitors to mark the striker, he ran on to a loose ball through the middle and showed composure to finish with the side of his foot.
The Tractor Boys’ relentless approach continued after the break when Massimo Luongo’s shot hit the hand of Grant Ward as they were awarded a penalty.
Al-Hamadi stepped up and scuffed his spot-kick wide to save Rovers’ blushes from conceding a fourth.
Phillips ‘making good steps’
McKenna believes Phillips is “making good steps” at Ipswich after he netted his first goal since December 2023.
“I thought he played well. I thought him and Massimo (Luongo) were very good,” McKenna said.
“Kalvin’s in a good position, he’s growing in confidence and rhythm and he showed his quality in midfield.
“I think he’s had a really solid first half of the season to be honest. There will always be a different perception of Kalvin because he’s come from Manchester City but he’s a normal person and a very good player who’s trying his best.
“He came in without a pre-season with us, he played a lot at the start, I think eight or nine in a row, and if you compare that with starts he’s had two years before that then it’s quite a lot.
“He’s improving, growing in confidence and fitness, understanding of his role and what we ask of him and he’s making good steps and progressing well.”
