Boss Joe Royle felt his side's confidence will have been boosted by the 3-1 victory over Plymouth at Portman Road. The Town manager said his team are not yet at their best but thought the victory was well deserved.

Royle said: "It is nice to go into the international break with five points and seven goals from our last three games.

"We were not at our best but results mean everything and one hopes a win will improve our confidence. We are getting stronger as our injured players are returning.

"We were all right today. Plymouth are awkward and hard to play against, as they have proved with their recent results. We knew they would be dangerous at set-pieces, but so are we.

"They were never going to beat our central defenders with guile but they were still a handful and their goal came from a wonder freekick from a very talented player. Our defenders were resilient but everyone in the team had a go.

"The majority of the fans were behind us. We have heard too much from the minority in recent weeks, but now there is a brighter atmosphere about the place.

"Plymouth may feel hard done by over the penalty but they cannot dispute that we deserved the win."

Matt Richards said he had little doubt he was going to score from the spot: "I know Darren or Fozzie would have had the kick but I said before the game that I was happy to take one and the gaffer nominated me.

"I had no hesitation about it when the referee pointed to the spot and grabbed the ball. I felt confident I would score and just waited for the keeper to dive."

Striker Sam Parkin was pleased to hear the Town support getting behind him: "It was nice to hear the crowd singing my name. I think my last three games have been my best since I came here.

"You've got to be strong; I was left out of the side two weeks ago but I've stuck to it and it's nice to be back and striking some good form."

Plymouth boss Tony Pulis knows it will be difficult keeping the Pilgrims in the Championship: "It is not going to be an easy job but I knew that when I took over. We need to bring in one or two players to help us out.

"Between the boxes we gave as good as we have taken but I was very disappointed that their first two goals came from corner kicks.

"We have discussed certain things in the dressing room about players doing their jobs, but this was the first time since I have been with the club that we have conceded in this way.

"I don't think there was a 3-1 gap between the teams. We had a couple of good opportunities early on but Ipswich had the breaks and we didn't defend properly.

"Going in at half-time two down, I felt that if we could score we would have a good chance of getting something out of the game.

"We got our goal but then there was a decision that turned everything Ipswich's way. I was disappointed because from where I was I didn't think it was a penalty.

"You expect that a large home crowd may influence one or two decisions but we must take it on the chin and get on with it."

Hungarian midfielder Akos Buzaky, scorer of Plymouth's goal, impressed his manager: "He has fantastic talent. Now he is starting to work extremely hard for the team and he will certainly get far more respect within the club and in the dressing room because of his work rate."

Photo: Action Images

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