Sears Pitman News Today

Town boss Mick McCarthy says he’s not in any rush to spend the £8 million fee AFC Bournemouth paid for left-back Tyrone Mings last month.

Towns pre-season programme got off to a winning start after goals from Freddie Sears (2), Brett Pitman, Kieffer Moore and Joe Garner saw the Blues to a 5-0 victory over Drogheda at United Park.

Goals from Freddie Sears, David McGoldrick and Emyr Huws saw the Blues to a famous 3-1 home victory over promotion-chasing Newcastle United. Sears put Town in front in the 42nd minute, former Blues striker Daryl Murphy netted an equaliser for the visitors in the 62nd minute, but McGoldrick made it 2-1 seven minutes later and Huws sealed the three points - and Towns first back-to-back wins of the season - in injury time.

Boss Mick McCarthy admits that finishing in the top six is looking “increasingly difficult” but says while it is still within reach the Blues will continue to fight for every point. Eighth-placed Town, who are seven points plus goal difference off the play-off places, have six games remaining, starting with Saturday’s home match against Brentford.

Ten-man Town fell to a 3-0 defeat away against fellow play-off challengers Birmingham City with Will Buckley, Jon Toral and Maikel Kieftenbeld on the scoresheet. Buckley made the most of some hesitant defending to put the home side ahead on 23 before Douglas was shown a straight red card just prior to the break and Toral and Kieftenbeld smashed home stunning second-half volleys to seal the victory.

Town have confirmed that striker Daryl Murphy is a doubt ahead of Saturday’s game at Wolves having suffered a tear to his calf while playing for the Republic of Ireland in their 1-0 friendly victory over Switzerland on Friday.

Town face Bristol City at Portman Road this evening looking to end 2016 on a winning note. The Robins’ visit is the first of two games over the New Year weekend against sides currently struggling for form with the Blues travelling to QPR on Monday.

Daryl Murphy scored twice and Freddie Sears once as the Blues comfortably beat Charlton 3-0 to record their fourth successive victory at The Valley. Murphy put Town in front in the 28th minute, Sears added the second just before half-time and the Irish international sealed the three points on 68.