Town manager Joe Royle was left scratching his head after his side dominated their game against Rotherham but came away pointless. His side's lack of a cutting edge was once again bemoaned and he will go back to the search for a loan striker this week.

A baffled Royle said afterwards: "We could have been five up by the time they equalised and we came in at half-time scratching our heads. I haven't seen a game like that for a long, long time.

"We lacked a cutting edge, I can't argue with that. Our forwards are not scoring enough goals and it's something I've got to address.

"We're still looking for forward personnel. Marcus Bent is nearing fitness and may have a reserve match next week but I'm still looking for a striker to take on loan.

"I don't criticise or blame Rotherham for the way they played. They're very good at what they do."

Ronnie Moore was impressed with Town but was pleased with his side's display: "It's strange how football pans out and I'm proud of my lads.

"For 20 minutes Ipswich passed the ball like Real Madrid. When they scored I feared for what might happen. Their movement was really good and they passed us to death.

"But that's what my players are all about. We play to a system, we keep our shape and everyone knows what he's doing.

"It was food and drink to my defenders when Ipswich started to put high balls down the middle. It was no problem.

"Stuart Talbot scored from a set play and I was very pleased with Richie Barker. He took his goal ever so well."

Moore admitted that it was an unusual experience for him coming to Portman Road, just a couple of months after he was convinced by a hoaxer he had been offered the Town manager's job: "I felt a little bit strange when I stepped out of the coach at the ground, especially when I genuinely felt that the job had been offered to me, but I'm proud to be manager of Rotherham United and my record speaks for itself.

"Ipswich are one of the best footballing sides we've played and this was just a hiccup for them.

"We had the breaks on the day and when we pick up another 19 points to be safe from relegation I will be happy.

"We look for the results of clubs like Brighton, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City before those of the clubs at the top like Portsmouth."

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