Ipswich Town full‑back Ben Johnson insists the mindset inside the dressing room remains unchanged as the Blues switch focus from the Championship to Friday night’s FA Cup fourth‑round trip to Wrexham.
With momentum building and competition for places fierce, the 26‑year‑old believes Town can carry their recent league form into what promises to be a lively night in North Wales.
Since beating Blackpool in the third round, Ipswich have collected 10 points from five league games, including last weekend’s gritty 2–1 win at Derby County.
Leif Davis’ second‑half header sealed the points at Pride Park, giving Town only their second away win in seven during a demanding February run.
Johnson has made just one league start since late November, but with Kieran McKenna expected to rotate heavily, he is among those likely to feature at the Racecourse Ground.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” he said. “They’ve got really good players, well‑known players”.
They’ve been put together really well by the owners. They’ve got celebrity behind them, of course, and they’ve got great fans”.
Town were held to a 0–0 draw by Wrexham at Portman Road in November, a game where goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo made eight saves to frustrate the hosts.
Johnson expects a different type of contest this time.
“A Friday night under the lights in an FA Cup fixture is probably one that we’ll be relishing but they’ll be relishing it as well,” he said.
“They’re riding high on momentum… back‑to‑back‑to‑back promotions and looking to do another one.”
Despite the change in competition, Johnson says the approach remains identical.
“It’s always the same mindset. The aim is to win“.
“We want to go there tomorrow and win, and we want to win the week after coming back to the same stadium”.
Promotion remains Ipswich’s main objective, but Johnson made clear that the FA Cup still carries weight especially for players pushing for minutes.
“We want to get to the final, of course, and win it. That’s the ultimate aim,” he said.
“Ultimately, it’s about the performance, how we play, and giving a good account of ourselves at Wrexham”.
He reflected on his own mixed history in the competition extra‑time battles, difficult away ties and painful exits, but said the ambition never changes.
“Everyone would love to win the FA Cup. Regardless of what league you’re in, you want to go as far as you can. It would be a dream of mine to win it one day”.
Town return to the Racecourse Ground next weekend for a league meeting with the same opponents, creating a rare double‑header.
“You either win or you learn,” Johnson said.
“I’m glad we’re playing them the week after because it’s going to be fresh in our minds. If we lose, we can make a wrong right. If we win, we continue what we did”.
He also highlighted the importance of last weekend’s win at Derby.
“It was a huge win. It felt like it at the time and it still does now”.
“It helps with momentum and keeps the pressure on the two teams at the top”.
