Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley was delighted with his side’s 2-0 Papa Johns Trophy victory over the Blues, a team he believes have the best players in the division, at Portman Road.

Goals from Dane Scarlett and Zak Swanson saw Pompey into Thursday’s draw for the round of 16.

“We’re really pleased and the competition we’re in is irrelevant — we go into every game trying to win,” Cowley told his club’s official website.

“We always want to perform to a good level and I thought we were excellent, with our defensive organisation a positive.

“I thought we were able to press Ipswich and turn the ball over, looking a real threat on the counter-attack.

“If we could have been a bit more ruthless then we might have made it a bit more comfortable for ourselves.

“Ipswich are a top team and have the best players in the division, with a second XI that would finish in the play-offs.

“So for us to come here, make so many changes and then perform in the way we did is very impressive.

“That’s why we’re so pleased with this display at Ipswich — because we showed all the qualities that I think we stand for.”

Cowley says his team showed qualities which saw one of his previous clubs carry off the trophy in 2017/18.

“I was lucky enough to win this competition with Lincoln and my team had a fantastic spirit, attacking every day with enthusiasm — these are what you need to do well,” he added.

“That’s why we’re so pleased with this display at Ipswich — because we showed all the qualities that I think we stand for.

“We want to develop our youngsters, so it was good for Jay Mingi and Josh Oluwayemi to play again, although it made sense to take Zak out of the firing line.

“But he came on in centre midfield — which we saw him do for Arsenal — and I thought he did really well there.

“Michael Morrison was immense. His leadership and footwork were excellent and he has the ability to make the players around him five per cent better.

“Dane [Scarlett] — wow! I don’t think I’ve seen a number nine defend from the front like that in all my days watching football.

“We stayed on task, were resilient and when you defend well on the road, chances will inevitably come your way.”

Photo: TWTD

Gforce added 10:20 - Nov 23 Our second 11 would finish in the play off's, what planet is he on !
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KMcBlue added 11:53 - Nov 23 At this rate our 1st 11 will finish in the play offs.....One or two strikers is a must in Jan. Sick of seeing crosses flash across the six yd box, with no one with the positional awareness to get on the end
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Cadiar added 19:17 - Nov 23 Cowley coming out with his normal verbal bllx. As I expected Pompey have fallen away & I doubt they will even make the playoffs.
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runningout added 13:31 - Nov 24 can't work out why some get wound up so easily. Waste of energy
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