BLUES Boss Jim Magilton hailed his team and supporters after a magnificent victory at Crystal Palace.

Derek Davis

BLUES Boss Jim Magilton hailed his team and supporters after a magnificent victory at Crystal Palace.

In particular he picked our Richard Naylor whose shot on the stroke of half time was deflected in by Danny Haynes to give the Blues just their second away win of the season.

Naylor has not started for Ipswich since February last year at Selhurst Park. That night he played with an injection in a toe injury that eventually needed surgery, so it was fitting he was the hero again last night.

Magilton said: “It probably got rid of a few demons. We never played after that game here last year and needed an injection to get through that.

“It is typical of the boy and to step in and play in the manner he did was very good. He now has to do it consistently.”

The clean sheet was the work of everyone but Magilton picked out his back line for special praise.

He said: “Richard Naylor and Jason de Vos were absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Dan and Alex. We felt David needed a break and Alex came in and did a resolute job.

“Our work ethic was first class and 1-0 away from home speaks volumes about our defensive display.”

Magilton revealed he used Saturday loss at home against Watford to motivate his side.

He said: “We used the disappointment of Saturday and we created a lot of good chances and we got our just rewards.

“We were absolutely terrific. Everyone stood up to everything that was thrown at us and it was a fantastic three points, especially after Saturday and the bad press we received.

“I was proud of everyone, it was wonderful display. Our supporters were fantastic and after some lows this season that was another high for them.”

The match-winner would not have started but for an ankle injury to Alan Quinn during the warm up and, Magilton was so happy he even thanked his opposite number.

Magilton said: “Neil Warnock was very good because Quinn turned his ankle and Neil allowed us to bring in Haynes and put Liam Trotter on the bench, so I thank him for that.

“Danny put in a terrific shift and Quinn might find it hard to get back in the side.”

The victory well and truly buried the ghost of away day failures and Magilton joked: We have had two away wins so all we have to do now is sort out our home form.

“This is a huge fillip of confidence and hopefully we can now go on a run.”

Magilton even kept quiet about the referee's decision not to dismiss Palace keeper Julian Speroni who had tripped Jon Walters on his way to goal.

He said: “The referee was very lenient on the keeper. He felt there were recovering defenders but I can't say anything about it.”

derek.davis@archant.co.uk