KEITH Andrews has praised Ipswich Town’s “passion and desire” – but still cut a devastated figure after the Blues lost their seventh straight match.

The skipper gave Town the lead just before half-time with his sixth goal of the season but two second half strikes gave the Hornets a slightly undeserved three points.

Regardless, the defeat heaps more pressure on Paul Jewell and his players – despite the improved performance.

Andrews said: “I think today we had the passion and desire. At times, there were nerves for obvious reasons but I thought on the whole we put in a hell of a shift and we didn’t get our just rewards.

“We are devastated to not get the win that I think the performance deserved.

“We knew what was at stake today. We were ashamed of ourselves after the performance on Tuesday (the 4-0 defeat at Burnley) – the performances of late haven’t been good enough – and we wanted to put things right. We are well aware of that as a team and a football club.”

Watford’s equaliser, a penalty from Marvin Sordell, came after the striker tangled with Ibrahima Sonko, but Andrews felt it was probably a spot kick.

But the loan midfielder was left fuming after what he perceived to be poor decisions at the other end.

Andrews explained: “We had two blatant penalties that weren’t given – I got caught in the first half and there was a blatant handball in the second.

“We peppered their goal but it obviously hasn’t fallen for us. We shoot ourselves in the foot and we concede sloppy goals. It is bitterly disappointing and we have to put it right.”

Meanwhile, Sonko has spoken of his annoyance after giving away the crucial penalty.

He said on Twitter: “Soft penalty is killing me, so annoyed. Can’t believe it.”

And unused sub Reece Wabara said on the social media platform: “Disappointing result, but can’t fault the players desire very unfortunate to get something out the game. The fans were great as always.”