Chelsea 2-2 Ipswich Town: Karl Fuller on a good day out at the Bridge

It is a matter of time before the dreaded ‘R’ appears next to our name in the league table. Sunday, however, proved that there is still a bit of life left in the old dog yet.

When I stepped out of my front door at 8am for the start of my journey to Stamford Bridge I hoped for a little something but expected absolutely nothing.

Within five minutes of arriving at Clacton train station, the departure details for my train changed from ‘on time’ to ‘cancelled.’

Ipswich Town fans watching on at Chelsea (Image: Ross Halls) Just like it did earlier in the season as I set out on the first leg of my journey to West Ham. I hoped that this was not a bad omen for another 4-1 defeat.

With my travelling companions Paul and Alfie Love in tow, it was once again a drive to Colchester before picking up a rail replacement bus to Billericay.

With a train and two tubes to come, I wondered why on earth I was putting in all this effort for to watch a team who are to all intents and purposes, Championship bound.

Within a nanosecond, I knew why. It is because our love for our football team is unconditional.

There is nothing else that would make me go to all this effort, in the knowledge that the prologue to the game would be enjoyable, but the main event itself could ruin the day.

Despite throwing away a two-goal lead, I was immensely proud of the efforts of both players and fans alike.

The purists will tell you that we were battered in the opening 20 minutes. That throughout much of the game, we were on the back foot.

Chelsea fans will tell you that we rode our luck and deserved little. But there are so many ways to eek out something from a game of football.

Alex Palmer had another great game at Chelsea (Image: Ross Halls) In Alex Palmer, we had a goalkeeper in imperious form. He single-handedly won us a point.

Watching him hand over his gloves to a young fan in front of me at the final whistle was a  nice touch too. The superstitious side of me would have been wanting them on my hands again for the visit of Arsenal on Sunday.

The sight of no Liam Delap in the starting line-up caused concern. But in George Hirst, we have no worries on that front. He played his part magnificently in our goals and was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet in the second half.

Ben Johnson had another excellent game and with an assist for Julio Enciso to score his first goal for the club, it was fitting that the Paraguayan should return the favour with a deft cross for Johnson to head home. Dreamland!

George Hirst impressed in place of Liam Delap (Image: Ross Halls) Others put their bodies on the line, defended resolutely with outstanding blocks, and even caused Chelsea’s defence problems on the counter.

Letting a two-goal lead slip is frustrating. But the lead gave us a grip on the game to not fall behind given what Chelsea would throw at us. Especially with how quickly they scored after the restart.

We are almost down to the bare bones of our squad now. This gruelling season has been demanding both physically and mentally.

It was certainly a cruel four-minute cameo for Jaden Philogene. I hope it is not too serious an injury for him to deal with.

Jaden Philogene suffered a knee injury shortly after coming on (Image: Ross Halls) Then the small matter of us fans in the stands. What a loud and proud bunch we were again.

From asking Liam Delap for one more year (which cheekily turned to ten) as he warmed up, to mocking the Chelsea fans to be found amongst a few empty seats to our right.

In my humble opinion, they have been the quietest fans to visit Portman Road this season. They were quiet again until they scored.

Supporting Ipswich this season has been tough at times, but with the noise and full backing, I would not want to be a fan of anyone else.

There can still be some fun found in what is left of the season!