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Jim Hails Velice - Ipswich Town News

Boss Jim Magilton hailed Macedonian international Velice Sumulikoski's performance and goal after the Blues' 2-1 defeat of Blackpool at Portman Road.

Magilton said: "It was a great strike from Velice. He has brought us composure, experience and knowledge in a very important area of the pitch and he has definitely got goals in him.

"He arrives on the edge of the box and, if he continues hitting them like that, they will keep going in.

"Velice and Tommy Miller have complemented each other very well in central midfield and both know there are players waiting to play, which has given them extra incentive.

"In the first half we had enough opportunities, but stayed patient and didn't get anxious when they weren't going in. Then after the break we took our chances and found ourselves cruising."

Blackpool manager Simon Grayson felt his side losing both his centre-halves in the first half had a bearing on the result: "This is the last place you want that to happen, after the Nou Camp.

"It was always going to be difficult before that happened because Ipswich are a very good team with a great record at Portman Road.

"But to lose two experienced players, the spine of your team, so early on meant our plan went out the window.

"Keith Southern and Shaun Barker battled manfully in their place but, overall, we were taught a footballing lesson. Ipswich could have scored three, four or five.

"We rode our luck and had we got anything from the game I'd have been a bit embarrassed."

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