Boss Jim Magilton conceded that Southampton had enough chances to win but felt his side showed character and guts to battle out Saturday's 2-1 victory. Former Town manager George Burley bemoaned his side's failure to take umpteen opportunities.

Magilton said: "Southampton had enough chances but didn't take them. I was chuffed with my team who showed character, guts and heart.

"Today was our day and our attitude was first class. Whatever the reason we looked nervous at the start. Maybe we froze a little and I could not argue about being behind at half-time.

"Then we picked up and I am happy to take on board all the positives I can. You take everything you get in this game."

Winning goalscorer Billy Clarke was singled out for praise: "I have never seen him head the ball like that in my life but he is a goalscorer and natural predator.

"He could become top notch. He gets himself into fantastic areas and, like all good goalscorers, comes late in the box."

George Burley felt his team deserved the three points: "We controlled most of the match. We kept the ball down well and passed it around, but at the end of the day we didn't take our chances. We need to be more clinical in front of goal because it could have been double figures.

"I don't think it was a penalty and people tell me that the ball had crossed the line towards the end. I couldn't see, but what can you do?

"All I know is that I was pleased with the way we played with a very new side. We are building and going in the right direction. We have a blend of youth and experience and play attacking football.

"We showed good habits. It was an unjust result but you don't always get what you deserve in football. We deserved to win today, but all credit to Ipswich for hanging in there."

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