Carlos Edwards pulled no punches and insisted the Blues paid Watford too much respect after they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Portman Road, last night.

A first-half strike from Ikechi Anya and Nathaniel Chalobah’s second-half clincher gave Gianfranco Zola’s men a crucial three points in their promotion push.

Town, meanwhile, remain in 18th position in the Championship, three points clear of the drop-zone but were spared a worse fate thanks to defeats for Wolves, Bristol City and the Blues’ next opponents, Huddersfield, who were thumped 6-1 at Nottingham Forest.

Edwards was quick to praise the Hornets but revealed Town failed to stick to their game-plan and made it too easy in the opening exchanges as the visitors threatened to run riot.

“Watford were quality and one of the better teams we have played against this season, in terms of possession, organisation and going forward,” said Edwards.

“Both teams had their game-plans but maybe ours went a little wrong, although we are not going to point fingers.

“We were second-best on the night and started on the back foot instead of taking the game to them.

“Things didn’t go according to plan for us and they capitalised on that.

“Once we went one-down we then realised we had to get the ball in behind them more and not give them the space to play out as they like.

“I think we gave them a bit too much respect in that department and the second goal, after we had come into the game, was perhaps the final nail in the coffin.”

Last night’s defeat was only Town’s second under McCarthy at Portman Road and followed on from a 1-0 win over Blackpool at the weekend.

Three points from two games represents means Town are still battling out at the bottom but Edwards was satisfied with points haul, in hindsight.

“Three points from the six is OK, looking at the quality Watford possessed,” said Edwards.

“I will accept three points from six after this defeat.”