Boss Jim Magilton says his side are in with a shout at winning promotion if they defend as they did against Crystal Palace. The Blues kept their first clean sheet of the season as they defeated the Eagles 1-0.

Magilton said: "If we can continue to keep clean sheets like that, we will give ourselves a chance of promotion. We showed a terrific work ethic.

"The back four were tremendous and the goalkeeper made a fantastic save when it really mattered.

"Crystal Palace are a tough, physical side, but we kept our concentration well. We showed better control of the ball than in previous games. We spoke about this in midweek and the lads have taken it on board.

“The difference between this season and last is that we have a little more belief in the dressing room."

Magilton was pleased for scorer Jon Walters: "Jon deserved his goal and we deserved the points. He has been outstanding for us since pre-season. The lads love him, he gives 110 per cent and has been a big asset for us.

"We looked dangerous when we went forward and the two lads in the middle at the back were outstanding, It was Jason De Vos's sort of game. He's a warrior and dealt well with the aerial threat that Scowy and Shefki carry.

"Alex Bruce also did terrifically well for us and all over the park we had good performances.”

Magilton felt Palace keeper Julian Speroni should have been sent off for his handball, although according to the letter of the law referee Andy D'Urso was correct to give the Argentinian a yellow card: "If he's handled outside the area, then I think he should go."

Eagles boss Peter Taylor wasn't too despondent after his side's first loss of 2007/08: "It was our first defeat of the season, but I have no complaints about the effort of the team.

"I didn't fancy Ipswich to score in the second half because we were looking quite solid. I was disappointed when they did because I thought Jon Walters was given too much time to head the ball so he was able to score with ease.

"It was a pretty tight game, but once we were behind we pushed for an equaliser, which left us a bit open at the back. There will be times when we play just as well and win matches.

"It wasn't a great performance by us, but I know we can do a great deal better. You have got to work exceptionally hard in the Championship or you won't get your rewards."

Taylor thought D'Urso was right to caution Speroni rather than send him off: "It was not a goalscoring chance, so I was expecting a yellow card."

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