BLUES boss Jim Magilton praised his side's resolve after overcoming a dogged QPR to win 2-0.

Derek Davis

BLUES boss Jim Magilton praised his side's resolve after overcoming a dogged QPR to win 2-0.

Jon Stead came off the bench to score both goals for Town and he came close to his hat-trick when hit rattled a post with a long range free kick.

Magilton said: “Jon was not happy with his performance on Tuesday and was very hard on himself so I was delighted.

“Jon was unlucky not to get his hat-trick but it was a great effort and so we won't be hard on him.”

Magilton was pleased for the striker and also keeper Richard Wright who made a terrific save to deny Martin Rowlands in the first half.

He said: “It could have been a match-winning save from Richard.”

QPR also hit the crossbar from a Lee Cook free kick so Magilton was delighted with the way his team eventually overcame the London side.

He said: “We showed great character and unity and I'm pleased for them they were outstanding to a man

“It was not pretty but overall it was a good performance and great result.

“We had to play the conditions and both sides showed their mettle.

“That is one defeat in 11 now.”

QPR manager Gareth Ainsworth is still hoping to secure the manager's job on a permanent basis and blamed tiredness on the defeat.

He said: “The difference between the two teams was Ipswich took their chances in the second half.

“We might have scored twice in the first half but Richard Wright makes a great save and on another day the shot that clipped the bar goes in.”