x

Joe: We Deserved More - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Joe Royle felt his side were unlucky to be defeated 3-1 at Millwall. The Blues' manager was also convinced his side should have had a first half penalty when Tommy Miller was fouled inside the box.

Royle was particularly impressed with his side's display in the first 45 minutes: "We were outstanding in the first half and to go in 1-0 down was a big blow. We're no strangers to going behind, so I was confident we would come back into it.

"But the second goal was the killer because it meant we had to chase the game. I felt we were unlucky to be on the wrong end of this score.

"We should have had a penalty when Tommy went down in the box. I'm not blaming the referee, he was outstanding throughout the game but I felt the linesman should have been stronger.

"I always felt we would get back in the game in the second half but the second goal changed the match. It meant we had to change things around and chase the game.

"That said, we could have been level at 2-2. Shefki missed with a great chance just after he had scored.

"Their third goal came on the break and you are always likely to get caught out when you are throwing players forward."

Midfielder Tommy Miller told the club site he ought to have had the chance to put the Blues ahead from the penalty spot in the first half: "It was definitely a penalty. The lad clipped me. I had no reason to go down because I was through for a shot at goal. He caught me on the ankle and I know there was contact.”

Royle confirmed that the Blues picked up no new injuries during the game and that skipper Jim Magilton had been rested due to the volume of fixtures over the Christmas period.

Millwall assistant boss Ray Wilkins was particularly pleased with his side's win: "It's a fantastic victory for us. It was a very important result for us because it pulls us closer to them in the table and we proved that we can compete with the top sides."

What to read next:

McKenna: Our Motivation Needs to Match Brentford's
Town host Europe-chasing Brentford in this season’s penultimate home game looking for only their second Premier League win at Portman Road during 2024/25.
Greaves: I've Enjoyed Playing Left-Back
Due to a recent suspension for Leif Davis and hamstring injury for Conor Townsend, Town have been hit with a shortage of players available to play at left-back.
Premier League Calls Off Town U19s' India Trip Over Political Tensions
A Town U19s side was set to travel to India this weekend to play in the Premier League Next Generation Cup, however, the tournament has been called off due to the worsening political situation between the host nation and Pakistan.
Greaves: Best Mate Lewis-Potter is Class Act
Town defender Jacob Greaves says he is excited at the prospect of sharing a pitch with one of his best friends as he prepares to face Keane Lewis-Potter on Saturday.
Cresswell Could Make Final West Ham Appearance Back at Town
Former Town full-back Aaron Cresswell could make his final appearance for West Ham United back at Portman Road on the final day of the season, the Hammers having announced the 35-year-old’s release after 11 years at the club.
McKenna: Shorter Summer No Problem
Boss Kieran McKenna isn’t concerned by the Blues having a shorter summer break due to the later end to the Premier League season and the Championship’s early start.
McKenna: Character Shown at Everton Was What I Know and Expect
Blues manager Kieran McKenna says the character his side showed as they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Everton last Saturday came as little surprise to him.
McKenna: Burgess and Tuanzebe Talks Ongoing For a While
Town boss Kieran McKenna says contract talks with the likes of Cameron Burgess and Axel Tuanzebe haven’t been affected by confirmation of the Blues’ relegation to the Championship with discussions already having been ongoing.
McKenna: Tuanzebe's Had a Good Week, Phillips and Cajuste Still Struggling
Town boss Kieran McKenna has no new injury concerns to deal with ahead of Saturday’s home game against Brentford, while Axel Tuanzebe had a good week’s training and Ben Johnson is back from suspension but Kalvin Phillips and Jens Cajuste are still not fully fit.
Sheeran Tickets on General Sale
Tickets are now on general sale for July’s three Ed Sheeran concerts at Portman Road.