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Jim Proud of Players - Ipswich Town News

Boss Jim Magilton said he was proud of his players after the superb 3-1 derby victory over Norwich City at Portman Road. The Town manager felt his side played well throughout the 90 minutes and fully deserved their victory.

Magilton said: "I was proud of my players. They played well all day. We spoke of the importance of making a bright start and setting a good tempo.

"We were hit by a sucker punch but we sent out the right signals to our fans.

"Sylvain got us back into it with a great team goal and I think over the 90 minutes we deserved the victory.

"I was looking for a response from the lads and certainly got one. We defended well, apart from a mistake for their goal, and created chances throughout the game.

"Mike Pollitt and Matthew Bates both showed they can be valuable additions to the squad, but it's important now that we build on the result and the performance.

"We've got Owen Garvan coming back, and Gavin Williams as well, and that will add to the competition for places."

"Alan Lee was outstanding and ran himself to a standstill. Danny Haynes will get hero status here and seems to enjoy local derbies. I felt it was time to put him on because the pitch was strength-sapping and Danny's pace will always cause problems against tired legs.

"It was pure luck that he scored so soon after coming on and I can't take the credit for that. These things sometimes happen in football."

Norwich boss Peter Grant admitted his side were second best: "We were awful. We were very poor from start to finish, but if you don't do the basics well you will always struggle.

"There are no excuses. We didn't do the fundamentals and were very fortunate to go in on equal terms at half-time.

"Our players had lazy minds. They worked hard enough but the thought processes let them down.

"Every defeat is painful. Obviously we want to win derby matches for the fans, but these games come and go. I am more concerned about winning three points from every match.

"I can accept defeat but not in the manner we displayed today. We have a million miles to go yet, but I said that a few weeks ago.

"I have some good players but if they don't do the basics properly they will not play."

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