Town manager Joe Royle heaped praise on Paul Jewell's Wigan after the Latics comfortably defeated the Blues 3-1 at Portman Road.

Royle admitted: "Wigan swarmed all over us. They are a very quick and athletic side. They have a couple of million-pound strikers and a million-pound player in midfield, although they did not have to pay that amount.

"Don't be fooled by the name Wigan Athletic. They are a powerful side and their strength up front was the difference in the first half. They threatened every time they attacked. We couldn't.

"Ipswich are a bigger club than Wigan but their spending power is immense and they will take some stopping.

"Even if Darren Bent's shot had gone in rather than hitting the underside of the bar we would have been flattered. Sometimes you must hold up your hands and say you have been beaten by a better side on the night.

"We have honest lads in our squad and I was pleased with how they played in the second half. At the moment we are stretched by injury and we are in need of a boost.

"We can still finish in the top two but I am desperately seeking a loan signing but finding it difficult to find the sort of player we need.

"Don't take anything from Wigan. We are a passing side but they didn't let us pass the ball because they were so athletic."

Wigan boss Paul Jewell felt his side were at their best during the opening 45 minutes: "In the first half we were exceptional and I was disappointed that it was only 2-0 at the interval. We could have been three, four or even five up and would not have been flattered.

"Then Ipswich changed their shape but we kept one through the middle and tried to hit them on the break. Their keeper had to make two or three world-class saves.

"In the second half Ipswich had a few opportunities but we had pace up front and can get behind people. We produced good movement all night and Gary Teale was outstanding for us.

"To come to a place like Ipswich and get a result is very pleasing."

"Roberts and Ellington are a decent pairing and I am happy that we are there or thereabouts at this stage of the season."

"Alan Mahon is a quality player with excellent vision and good technique. We are delighted to have him. I have been keen to sign him since last season and I think he will give us balance."

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