Town boss Joe Royle bemoaned complacency from his players as the Blues were defeated 3-1 at home by Crystal Palace.

Royle said he was never confident his side would get the three points even when they were ahead: "I never felt secure at 1-0 and had words with the players at half-time because I thought we looked complacent.

"We were sloppy and some players seemed to feel that we could win without extending ourselves. We played as though we were comfortable but I knew we weren't.

"Palace's position in the table is false, especially with the players with the pace they have. They are a decent side who will be nearer the play-off places than the foot of the table by the end of the season.

"We had two one-on-ones with their keeper that could have put us two-up early in the second half. Had we scored from one of them I think the confidence factor would have enabled us to go on and win.

"We had injuries that meant we ended with an unbalanced side, but I can't explain when we sometimes turn in a performance like this. When we do it looks awful. The biggest disappointment is that we keep leaking goals at home and that has got to stop."

Amongst those injuries is Jermaine Wright who went off with a foot injury and is a doubt ahead of next week's FA Cup tie with Derby.

New Palace manager Iain Dowie was understandably pleased to notch his inaugural three points with the Eagles: "Getting my first win with Palace was a huge boost. It gets the monkey off our backs and sets up an FA Cup tie against Tottenham at White Hart Lane magnificently.

"Ipswich is a daunting place to visit and to meet a manager in Joe Royle who knows his way around in football. They had craft and guile and we faced a big task.

"We started really well and they scored against the run of play. After that our response was terrific because players like Jim Magilton and Chris Bart-Williams can pull you apart and hurt you.

"My players did more than well. We broke with purpose and Andrew Johnson gained his reward for chasing lost causes. We were able to push on because we've got so much pace in the side.

"Kit Symons and Tony Popovic were terrific in defence and we played with more of a counter-attacking style. When in possession we have quality players who can pass the ball well but today we worked hard when we were out of possession."

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