Magilton rues missed opportunities

By Derek Davis

JIM Magilton blamed shocking defending and spurned opportunities as Ipswich Town's play-off chances took a massive dent at Colchester.

Two goals from Scott Vernon gave the U's a derby day win, kept them from relegation for at least another week and left Town outside the top six with five games to go.

Magilton said: “They were two shocking goals. It was like a knife through butter.

“Defensively we were poor with the goals.

“The first goal was very poor from our point of view. That gave them confidence and a foothold in the game.

“We pressed in the second half and they hit us on the counter and again it was poor goal for us to give away.”

The Blues did get the ball in the net but Danny Haynes was judged offside as he headed in an Alan Quinn cross.

Magilton felt Town should have had a penalty early in the second half.

He said: “I felt we should have had a penalty when Alan Lee was brought down in the second half but you have top get on with it.”

But wastefulness in front of goal, mainly by Lee cost them too.

Magilton said: “Colchester have not had a clean sheet all season yet they get one against us.

“We huffed and puffed all day. We had some very good chances but if you don't take them in a game like this it comes back to haunt you which it did today.

“They looked a bit nervy to start with and we started brightly with corner and half chances, while Alan Lee has a great chance but again if you don't take your chances it will come back.”

Town now entertain Cardiff on Wednesday and Norwich on Sunday and Magilton insists they are must-win matches.

He said: “This leaves us with a massive two home games and we have to win both. Wednesday against Cardiff is our game in hand and we must win.”