This match or at least the goals scored in it just about summed up the reasons Ipswich Town are bottom of the Premiership.

Poor defending, not to mention an appalling slice of bad luck, were the key factors behind the Blues' latest defeat at Villa Park.

And the statistics look ominous after this new twist in their miserable season.

Another reverse compounded by the fact their nearest rivals in the relegation zone picked up points at the weekend leaves George Burley's strugglers five points adrift at the wrong end of the table.

But unfortunately, they only have themselves to blame for not leaving with at least a share of the spoils last night.

On another day, both goals would have been prevented.

The first was punishment for lapse defending after three times failing to properly clear a corner.

And the second was more about sheer bad luck.

Burley and his side this morning woke up to the reality that they have the most difficult of tasks on their hands between now and May.

And if they defend again like they did during the closing minutes of the first half, that ominous target could soon become mission impossible.

The first goal, especially, just about summed up Ipswich's season.

Matteo Sereni who ironically had little else to do all night flapped at a Steve Staunton corner, dropping the ball at the far post.

Mark Venus half cleared the loose ball to Richard Naylor on the edge of the box but his attempt to nullify the danger was abysmal.

His weak clearance rolled straight to the feet of Staunton who whipped in another cross for Angel to head past Sereni.

It was a body-blow for Ipswich, especially with half-time just seconds away.

They had taken the lead through Finidi George, who struck after being teed up by Naylor.

The Nigerian took a touch before drilling a low, inch-perfect shot from 25 yards between the post and Peter Schmeichel.

John Gregory's side, chasing a Champions League berth, were the only side to double the Blues last season.

And they ensured lightning struck twice by netting a second-half winner last night.

Again, the goal might have been avoided. But it was more the sickeningly wicked deflection which left such a nasty taste in Ipswich mouths.

Angel turned Venus and left the man-of-the-match centre-half for dead before unleashing a shot which looped off John McGreal's boot into the net.

Other than the goals, Jermaine Wright had Ipswich's best chance but his far-post header from Chris Makin's cross was deflected narrowly wide.

At the other end, Angel muscled his way deep into the danger zone but, under pressure from McGreal, stabbed a low effort wide of the right-hand post.

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001