Penalty decision frustrates Jim

Derek Davis

BLUES boss Jim Magilton his side should have won the game and was unhappy that Town were not awarded a first half penalty against Plymouth.

The goalless draw at Portman Road means Ipswich have not won at home in the league since December 10 and have dropped nine points out of 12 to seriously hinder their play off chances.

Magilton said: “We should have won the game. The first 45 minutes we win and in the second half they came into it more and looked threatening on the break.

“We forced the issue and we knew we would leave gaps but we should have won it.”

Although Plymouth had a goal ruled out for offside and Rory Fallon hit the crossbar, while Jon Stead hit a post for Town who Magilton is convinced should have had a penalty when Krisztian Timar manhandled Pablo Counago.

Magilton said: “It was a very frustrating afternoon. We carried on from where we left off at Barnsley and forced corners and when Pablo was fouled that was a penalty.

“There were another two in the box that might have been but they would have been soft.”

Magilton admitted it has been easier for Town to produce results on the road where they like to frustrate the oppsoistion and as happens to them at Portman Road.

He said: “We have found when we are away that the longer you keep it at 0-0 the more confident you become and Plymouth certainly grew in confidence in the second half and were probably unfortunate to hit the bar.

“It became difficult for us and it became a little nervy for us.

“I was delighted with the way we finished. Kevin Lisbie was very unlucky when it hit the keeper and it could have gone anywhere.

“The positive is we have 11 points from 15 and we have to keep it going into February.”

Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock was proud of the way his team stood firm but feels they might even have taken all three points after Jamie Mackie prodded the ball in but was ruled offside.

Sturrock said: “The debate is still raging about whether it was offside.”

derek.davis@archant.co.uk