Despair for Jim as record slips away

By Derek Davis

A GUTTED Jim Magilton took little comfort from a clean sheet and 13th unbeaten home game in a row as the run of successive home wins was ended by Barnsley.

Blues boss Jim Magilton said: “It had to happen sometimes but it is still horrible. I really wanted the record

“I want to win every game and records are there to be beaten and I desperately wanted it.

“But Barnsley came with a real resilience and you have to hold you hands up and give them credit because they limited us to few chances and had a very good work ethic.”

Town were denied by some outstanding saves by German keeper Heinz Muller and stout Tykes defending.

Magilton said: “Sometimes it takes a hero to score. Someone who really wants to take a risk but we no one did that.

“We didn't create enough chances and that was disappointing.”

The draw, their first goalless game in 34, also saw their fourth game without conceding at Portman Road.

Magilton said: “It is four clean sheets in a row for us, which is very good and gives us something to build on.

“Barnsley played very well and it was a good game of football. Both teams went to win the game and Barnsley surprised us a little by going with two up front.

“It made for an interesting game of football and they defended very well. Their keeper made a very god save and limited us to few chances.

Town lost Alan Lee after half an hour to a virus which he had before the game but had insisted on playing.

It was judged to be gastric flu and Lee is expected to be available for Tuesday's trip to Bristol City.

Barnsley boss Simon Davey said: “It was a well-deserved point. We acquitted ourselves well at a place where they have won 12 from 12.

“We passed the ball very well and we showed we came to win the game and not just for a point.

“We had to dig in second half and our defending was good.

“Sometimes it takes a bit of magic to score and they could not unlock us.”