LUCKY Jim Magilton hailed his side's character after they hung on to claim all three points at 10-men Derby.

Derek Davis

LUCKY Jim Magilton hailed his side's character after they hung on to claim all three points at 10-men Derby.

The Ipswich Town boss admitted his side rode their luck at Pride Park after their winner deflected off Jon Walters' shoulder and the Rams had Jordan Stewart sent off as they were searching for an equaliser.

Derby hit a post and the Town defence had to work extremely hard for their clean sheet.

Magilton said: “They showed tremendous character, great spirit, and it did not look like a fragmented dressing room to me.

“They certainly stuck together and needed to. We knew Derby would put us under pressure in the second half and they showed great heart as well.

“They kept going to the end for their manager even when we had the numerical advantage.

“But we had a wee bit of luck which we deserved and managed to get three points. Let us hope that is the start of something.

“We have not had the rub of the green away from home at times but certainly our away performances, judging on last year, are certainly improved.

“The midfield did well. Points away from home are not easy to come by but we managed to do that.”

Magilton praised his back line and keeper Richard Wright who survived a Derby onslaught but the Midlanders lacked confidence and squandered chances.

Magilton said: “I was pleased with the clean sheet. Richard was very good with safe handling.

“We can be better with the ball. We can be more patient and take better care of the ball. We are better than that but sometimes you have to do what you have to do to win a game of football.”

The win pushed Town up to 10th place, six points behind the play off pack.

“It was a big three points and if we can build up some momentum this team will grow in confidence. We have a lot of good players and again confidence affects everyone. The self belief is there and I have not lost mine. The players showed great heart and deserved the three points.”

Derby assistant manager Chris Hutchings said: “Ipswich weren't that much better than us but won the game.

“You have to take your chances and we didn't.

“We have had better days. We concede a poor goal.

“The injury to Nathan Ellington upset us and the sending off didn't help us.

“It was a high challenge and we won't be appealing. It was not malicious but he did catch the boy.”