Town boss Joe Royle felt his side were well beaten at Sunderland after a well below par performance. Two second half Black Cats goals ended the Blues' 11-match unbeaten league streak.
Royle said: "It was a sad way to end a great run. Sunderland are the best side we have played but we weren't at the races today. We did not pass the ball - we could not have found our front two with radar.
"We were well beaten. I have an honest bunch of lads and, while I am not blaming the referee for the defeat, I think Mick [McCarthy] will be the more pleased with his performance.
"Sunderland are a powerful side and I think the strong sides like them, Leeds and Leicester will do well in the second half of the season. Hopefully we will stay with them after the great start we have had.
"That was nowhere near us today but we are limited in numbers and it is something I am trying to address."
McCarthy was pleased with his side's performance: "I thought we played very, very well today and deserved to win. I can't imagine Joe has said anything different.
"I have to ask was it all down to us or whether the travelling Ipswich had to do had any effect. I know it affects us all, the travelling we have to do.
"I thought we had done well enough in the first half and, while I anticipated bringing Liam Lawrence on at some stage, Jeff Whitley made the decision for me.
"He said he was having a hamstring problem so I told him not to go out for the second half.
"We need contributions from everybody and all the players are getting experience. They are all working as a team, they are all mates having a go for each other. I am pleased the way they are playing individually and collectively."