x

Jim: Two Points Dropped - Ipswich Town News

Boss Jim Magilton felt it was two points dropped after conceding a late equaliser to Sheffield United at Portman Road on Saturday afternoon. Penalties from Tommy Miller and James Beattie at the end of either half saw the game to a 1-1 draw.

Magilton said: "We didn't play that well but a win against Sheffield United would have been a good result and we were only a couple of minutes away from that.

"We just needed to stay strong and see the game out and, to be fair, we defended very well. Gareth McAuley won a lot of headers and had a good game and Alex was solid for us as well.

"I don't know what Quinny was doing really for the penalty really. I'm sure Kevin Blackwell was disappointed with his player for our penalty and it was the same for me. They were both penalties.

"We were tentative for the first 20 minutes and lacked a bit of sharpness. We were better in the second half and had one or two chances, but when we had our noses in front and you are nearly across the line, we definitely have to see it as two points dropped."

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell thought his side did enough to win all three points: "It was a strong, solid away performance that really merited more than a point.

"With a minute to go, things not dropping for us in the box and Richard Wright making a world class save from Kilgallon, I thought it was going to be a fruitless trip. Thankfully, through hard work and endeavour, we have got a point out of it and the lads deserve it.

"It is frustrating that things aren't dropping for us in the box. We are dominating teams for long spells - for the first 25 to 30 minutes it was like we were the home team, Ipswich hardly had the ball.

"We had four great chances in the first half and three more in the second. I thought we started well but we dropped to their level and became sloppy, taking an extra touch and picking the wrong pass at crucial times.

"We were waiting for the goal to happen when we should have been looking for it. I thought we played some good stuff, though and the lads showed plenty of endeavour."

Blackwell thought the spotkick decisions evened one another out: "The linesman has been consistent in giving both penalties, from that point of view we are back to square one."

What to read next:

Hirst On as Sub as Scotland Win Final Friendly
Striker George Hirst won his 10th cap as Scotland beat Bolivia 4-0 in their final pre-World Cup friendly at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
Norwegian Blues Win Supporters Cup
The Ipswich Town Supporters Club of Norway won the annual Supporters Cup in Oslo this afternoon, beating Liverpool 2-0 in the final.
Chambers and Norris Help England to Win Seniors World Cup
Former Blues skippers Luke Chambers and David Norris were part of the England Seniors side which thrashed France 4-0 to carry off the Seniors World Cup in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand earlier today.
Hirst and Mehmeti Set For Friendly Action
George Hirst and Anis Mehmeti are set for friendly action with Scotland and Albania respectively this evening.
Former Blue New Orient Director of Football
Ex-Town full-back and long-serving academy staff member Scott Mitchell has been appointed the director of football at League One Leyton Orient.
Mowbray Returns to Blackburn
Former Blues skipper, coach and caretaker-manager Tony Mowbray has been reappointed the head coach of Blackburn Rovers.
Ogbene Nets as Ireland Draw in Canada
Blues forward Chieo Ogbene scored his fifth international goal as the Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with World Cup co-hosts Canada in a friendly in Montreal overnight.
Town Linked With Keeper Pope
Town are being linked with a move for Newcastle United keeper Nick Pope.
Frank Rules Himself Out of Fulham Job
Former Brentford and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has ruled himself out of the vacant Fulham job and any other roles which might become available over the summer.
Baggott Plays Full 90 in Indonesia Victory
Blues defender Elkan Baggott played the full 90 minutes as Indonesia beat Oman 3-0 in a friendly in Jakarta this afternoon.