Boss Jim Magilton felt his side ought not to have lost Saturday's game against Stoke City. The Town manager was unhappy with the small number of chances created and the lack of a cutting edge in his team as the Potters left Portman Road with a 1-0 victory.

Magilton said: "I don't think this was a game we should have lost. We looked solid up to a point and handled their big strikers very well.

"We started the game well and had plenty of possession over the 90 minutes, but we were poor up front.

"I don't think we had any real conviction and belief that we could win the game.
"We must not wallow in the disappointment and must pick ourselves up for the match at Coventry on Tuesday.

"Alan Lee has gone off the boil a little, although he has worked very hard.

"I felt we could have hurt them more than we did. The right people landed on the ball but the finishing was disappointing."

Magilton says he could make changes at the Ricoh Arena: "Gavin Williams gave us a good shift for 90 minutes, but we have to be careful with him as he's still carrying a niggle.

"Gary Roberts is nursing a sore groin and we have to keep an eye on Owen Garvan, with so many games in a short time after he's been out for so long. Billy Clarke is fit now though, and he will come into consideration."

Stoke boss Tony Pulis had praise for scorer Liam Lawrence: "It is most important to have good balance, good unity and good spirit as well as a good shape to the team.

"We have a useful set-up and players who are dangerous on the break. Liam Lawrence produced an exceptional finish. We are looking to our wide players to join in and try to score goals.

"Liam has formed a smashing relationship with the rest of the group and always gives 110%.

"Before the start I was concerned about missing Michael Duberry in defence but youngsters Lewis Baxter and Carl Dickinson have done well for us.

"It was very important to bounce back after the defeat at Colchester and we certainly showed a bit of character."

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