Boss Mick McCarthy says he always expected the games against strugglers Barnsley and Blackpool to be just as tough as the previous games against the likes of play-off challengers Reading and Leeds. The Blues followed up the 2-2 draw away against the second-bottom Tykes by drawing 0-0 at home to Blackpool — who are now without a win in 15 — on Saturday.
"It was a home game against Blackpool and we’d had what apparently seemed the harder games against Reading, Leeds away and Bolton and took most of the points,” he said.
"I knew Barnsley and Blackpool were going to be just as difficult. They’re fighting for their lives. Blackpool have had a bad run, they need to turn it around and they’re no mugs. They had a great run at the start of the season.
"I’m disappointed but I’m always delighted with the effort the lads give. I think the circumstances and the conditions knocked the quality of the game for both teams. It’s another point, let’s keep picking them up and who knows.”
Blackpool interim player-manager Barry Ferguson says that despite the winless run stretching to 15 games, they last beat Sheffield Wednesday at home in November, he's seen an improvement in the side he took charge of five matches ago with their last two fixtures ending in draws.
"What we've started to see in the last two games especially is the quality, they’re starting to believe in themselves," he said. "That’s something that’s been lacking with the run they’ve been on.
"Obviously, it’s my job to try and bring that out in them and certainly [after] the last two games they’ve got to be [more] confident because Nottingham Forest are a right good team on a good run and the same with Ipswich, they’ve been on a fantastic run as well. They’re always a good team, Ipswich, well-organised under Mick McCarthy.
"So, they’re disappointed, and I like that, they’ve come in at the end and they’re having a wee go at each other because they’re not happy at not getting three points. That’s what I like — they’re not happy to settle for a point.”
Sixth-placed Reading are now five points ahead of the Blues in eighth following their 3-1 win at QPR on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Town's U21s are in action against Charlton at Portman Road this evening (KO 7pm). Speaking on Saturday, McCarthy said striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake would be amongst those involved.
The Blues' U18s lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace at Kesgrave High School on Saturday morning. Skipper Joe Robinson netted the Town goal from the spot.