MANAGER’S REACTION: Jewell delighted with dominant victory

Ipswich v Bristol Rovers: Blues boss Paul Jewell was delighted that his side got their season off to a good start with an ultimately comfortable 3-1 victory over Bristol Rovers in the Capital One Cup first round.

The League Two visitors went ahead against the run of play with a superb 30-yard strike from right-back Michael Smith, but Ipswich stepped it up a gear to progress with goals from Jason Scotland, Tommy Smith and Aaron Cresswell.

With newly-relegated Blackburn Rovers coming to Portman Road on Saturday for the start of the new Championship campaign, Jewell said: “It’s a strange feeling having a cup tie on a Tuesday before the league season starts, but it was still a competitive game and it was important we got off to a good start.

“We had lots of the ball in the first half, but I felt we didn’t do enough with it.

“Sometimes you just have to hold up your hands and say that’s an excellent goal. I think that was only their second shot though.

“We showed good character after that. We’ve got a good spirit about us at the moment and I think you can see the players are enjoying passing the ball.

“Second half we created some more opportunities and could have scored more. We dominated the whole match if I’m being honest.”

– See tomorrow’s EADT and Ipswich Star for further manager and player reaction.