IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell says he can take a lot of positives out his side’s performance against Premier League visitors Wolves this afternoon, despite a 2-1 defeat.
The Blues led at half-time through Lee Bowyer’s first goal for the club, the midfielder arriving late to finish a fine counter-attacking move, but eventually succumbed to a fortuitous Stephen Hunt strike and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake penalty after the Midlands side brought on their first team big guns.
The opening hour was one of Ipswich’s best performances out of their six pre-season matches though, with Jewell declaring himself pleased ahead of the visit to Bristol City next Saturday for their Championship opener.
“There was a lot of pleasing stuff to come out of it,” said the Blues boss. “We still need to improve in certain areas but it was a good workout.
“It was a terrific goal and we got in a few of those situations first half where we didn’t quite get the final shot or the final pass off. It was a really quality goal and he (Bowyer) was unlucky not to get a second one.
“That’s his game and he’s been doing it for a long time at the top level. Hopefully he’ll get a few goals for us.”
He added: “They (Wolves) have got quality players. They’ve paid �5m for a centre-half (Roger Johnson) and �3.5m for another (Jamie O’Hara) that have come on – that’s the difference between the Premier League and the Championship.
“I thought we acquitted ourselves well and when both sides made changes the game then became a little bit bitty and scrappy.
“It’s not about the result today it’s about our development not only for next Saturday but a long arduous campaign.”
Asked if he was still looking to add more signings before next weekend’s big kick-off, he added: “We’re still looking and there are a couple of positions that we need to address. I’m happy with the signings I’ve made but like every manager it’s an ongoing thing.
“We need a centre-half, that’s still an area we are thin on the ground and we know that. We’ve been trying to get one for a while and that will still continue.”
However, the Liverpudlian gave short shrift to reports that he was interested in Wolves defender Richard Stearman who came on as a second half substitute, adding: “I haven’t made an enquiry and have never thought about him.”
– For match reports and plenty more reaction, see Monday’s EADT and Evening Star.
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