IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell insists that a scoreline of 3-0 flattered hosts Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Blues were unfortunate to be 1-0 down at the break, with Craig Mackail-Smith converting a quick counter-attack goal not long after Michael Chopra had seen a chip cleared off the line.

And after Ipswich had started the second half well – Chopra seeing a goal disallowed for handball – a poor kick from keeper Arran Lee-Barrett allowed Ashley Barnes to make it 2-0 in the 65th minute.

Carlos Edwards then had a goalbound effort blocked in the 87th minute, only for Brighton to grab a third a minute from time through Barnes.

“I thought we were the better team for large periods of the game,” said Jewell.

“First half we had some real good play, some good opportunities and saw a terrific shot of Chopra’s cleared off the line. We were unfortunate to be behind.

“I just thought that if we could get an equaliser we might go on to win the game, but it wasn’t to be.

“Second half we took the game to them, Tommy (Smith) had a good chance at the corner from which Chops’ goal is disallowed – it was handball, no doubt – but the second goal just comes out the blue. It was a real kick in the teeth.

“We were well in the game, but the manner of that goal just deflated everybody and changed the whole complexion of the game really – 3-0 flatters them.”

He added: “It’s gone unnoticed by a lot of people but Brighton have been on a good run themselves (unbeaten in the league in 2012). We’re still disappointed to lose the game though.”

– See Monday’s EADT and Ipswich Star for full match analysis and reaction.