Boss Jim Magilton joked that he would have strangled matchwinner Danny Haynes had Norwich City managed an equaliser in Sunday's 2-1 victory over the Canaries at Portman Road. Haynes created the first and scored the second for the Blues, but missed a succession of very good chances after the break.

Magilton said: "Had we not won the game, I would've strangled him! For the first goal he got into the right area. It's a good ball and then a composed finish for the second.

"We had Danny at his best and worst. He's a threat. He's getting better every game.

"I've got a lot of faith in him. He needs a little finesse but, when you have got raw power and pace, the finishing touches take a little bit of time."

The Town manager praised his side's spirit: "Going a goal down so early meant a test of character for my players and they came through it magnificently.

"We passed the ball well, played at a good tempo and, when we play like that, very few teams can live with us in this division.

"No one can say we didn't deserve to win that game and with better finishing it could have been more than two goals.

"At 2-1, it is always a precarious lead and we had chance after chance to have tied the game up, so it was edgy until the final whistle, although they didn't create too much.

"Pablo was fantastic for us. He held the ball us so well and he sees a pass, and that's great for the midfield.

"Jon Walters was immense as well in his first game back and Danny was Danny.

"The fans were great as well and having 30,000 in there to see a performance like that was terrific. I have reminded my players that they can expect that type of atmosphere if we get to the Premier League.

"It's obviously a massive win for us and it keeps us in there fighting for the play-offs."

Magilton felt Shefki Kuqi might have come back too soon, although it is hoped the Finnish international's injury might have been a sciatic problem, rather than a recurrence of his hamstring strain which recently kept him out of action: "We gave Shefki a thorough medical and workout and he was fine, but obviously he is not quite ready yet.

"We had to put Jon on quicker than we would have liked but he was fantastic for us."

Alex Bruce also limped off and Magilton has hinted that he could recall youngster Tommy Smith from Stevenage Borough. The 18-year-old England U17 international has been in excellent form since joining the Blue Square Premier side on loan.

Magilton reckons the play-off battle will continue until the final day of the season with the Blues now in seventh, a point behind Crystal Palace: "I think it's going to the wire. I hope it does go to the wire because it means we are still in the hunt. Today was big for us."

Norwich manager Glenn Roeder was understandably disappointed with his side's display, but is hopeful they will avoid being dragged back into the relegation zone: "We've got nine points to play for and we will try to achieve all nine points. We will stay positive.

"It's a disappointing performance, especially after we took the lead so early. We couldn't have asked for a better start, but didn't get to grips with the game.

"It was a very lucky equaliser and that put us on the back foot. It was a very disappointing game for everyone at the club.

"Just recently, we went to Bristol City and ripped them apart and lost the game in the last two seconds. Today it was the same scoreline but a completely different game.

"We didn't put them under much pressure. We don't make excuses."

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls