IPSWICH TOWN: Blues right back Carlos Edwards today said that the players were let off lightly by manager Paul Jewell after last night’s home 3-0 Championship defeat at the hands of Watford.

It was the third defeat at Portman Road on the trot for the Blues having conceded eight goals and scored just one.

Jewell kept his players in the dressing for 30 minutes after the final whistle, but he did not throw any tea cups around.

“We were poor and I was shocked how subtle and calm the manager was after the game,” said Edwards.

“We were let off easy peasy and if it had been the previous manager the club would need a new dressing room now.

“As players we have to be relieved that we did not get our heads chewed off.

“The manager still made his point and got his message across, but it boils down to the fact that we are aware that we have to improve as we cannot carry on playing like we did last night.

“We were miles off the pace and did not look like scoring when balls were placed in the box.

“And we got off to the worse possible start by conceding a goal from a second minute corner.

“I take full responsibility as Danny Graham was the man I was marking, but he was two yards out when he headed the ball and we have a 6’7” keeper in goal.”

Jewell did not hold back after the game and he will be working hard to see any improvement in Saturday’s home game with Scunthorpe.

“What disappoints me is that when things aren’t going well too many players are hiding,” said Jewell.

“Between both boxes, we probably had more possession but do you think we’re really going to score a goal?

“We just haven’t got anyone who wants to get on the end of crosses or balls into the box. It’s as simple as that.

“When we hit the post there wasn’t anyone willing to put their head in and risk a cut eye.

“When we were 2-0 down with 15 minutes left, do I really think we’re going to get back in the game? The brutal answer is no. “

Watford manager Malky Mackay said: “It was a great surface to play on and the pitch is as good as you will get anyway at this time of year.

“Our plan was to draw Ipswich into us and then hit them on the counter attack, which we did well.”