BLUES boss Jim Magilton has complained about the multi-ball system after being sent to the stand during Ipswich's 1-0 loss at Stoke.Magilton acted as an impromptu ball-boy to get the ball quickly to Alex Bruce and earned a stiff rebuke from referee Mick Jones.

Derek Davis

BLUES boss Jim Magilton has complained about the multi-ball system after being sent to the stand during Ipswich's 1-0 loss at Stoke.

Magilton acted as an impromptu ball-boy to get the ball quickly to Alex Bruce and earned a stiff rebuke from referee Mick Jones.

Just as the referee was turning away Magilton said something else and Jones returned to send him to the stand.

As Magilton made his way down the touchline a can and bottle were thrown at him and he jogged away down the tunnel.

City could face further action for the missile throwing but Magilton dismissed it by saying: “It was nothing, it's not West Belfast.”

But he was left fuming after being sent off and questioned the use of the multi-ball system where ball boys use more than one ball to ensure the game moves along quickly.

He said: “Magilton said: “The referee tried to explain the multi-ball to me but I'm an educated boy.

“I asked the referee about the multi-ball not being fair. We were chasing the game and the ball has not come in quickly

“We do not deploy the multi-ball because I believe we do the right thing.”

He certainly thought his team had done the right thing for most of the game but were beaten by a wonder goal from Liam Lawrence.

He said: “We were competitive throughout. Our keeper has hardly had a save to make.

“Stoke are churning out results and it was a massive win for them.

“We passed the ball well and had our moments but we lacked quality in the final third and didn't go with enough belief but overall I was pleased.”

Magilton tweaked his starting side after two wins by bring back Alan Quinn, although Danny Haynes replaced the winger again at half time with the midfielder needing a scan on an ankle injury.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: “The goal would grace any game, it was a fantastic strike.

“Ipswich are a good side that pass the ballad n move your side and we stayed organised.”

Stoke stay top while Ipswich drop to seventh place but Pulis is not getting carried away.

He said: “I have been in this game too long to take anything for granted and if we keep doing then right things we will be fine.

“Unless we keep doing the right things we will get out pants pulled down and get our backsides slapped.”

“If we get 12 one-nils from now until end of season I will be doing somersaults.”