MATCH-WINNER Jon Walters admitted Ipswich's 1-0 win at Derby was vital in order to keep play-off hopes alive.

Derek Davis

MATCH-WINNER Jon Walters admitted Ipswich's 1-0 win at Derby was vital in order to keep play-off hopes alive.

The three points moved Ipswich to 10th place and the striker believes Town are still in the hunt for promotion.

Walters said: “It was much needed without a shadow of a doubt. It was a big game for us as we were in danger of becoming adrift of the play-off pack.

“We ground out a result and the second half was all about hammer and tong defending.

“The centre halves did well and the midfield picked up the second balls and cleared the danger.”

With around 15 clubs still believing they can reach the top six, Walters is convinced Town can if they start putting a run together.

“We still believe we have chance. We have to really otherwise there would be no point in carrying kin.

“Any team that is capable of putting three or four wins together will be in there.

“We have seen teams, Sheffield United did it last year. Palace had done it previously so it can be done.

“We bang on about consistency but we have to produce each week.”

Walters claimed his fifth goal of the season yesterday with the faintest of touches on a Ben Thatcher cross that then deceived Stephen Bywater to go in off the far post.

Walters said: “It came off my shoulder and is definitely my goal.

“It was good to score even if Ben is trying to claim it.”

There were not many opportunities for a second as Town were forced on the back foot.

Walters said: “It was like the Birmingham game where there were not many chances. It was a case of getting that goal and then defending well which we did.

“These games are going to happen and we held on well.”

Although a second banner calling for Magilton to be sacked was hoisted, Walters doesn't believe the fireproof manager has anything to worry about.

He said: “The manager is not under pressure. We take each week as it comes. We have a break until the next league game but this was a good three points.”

Walters insists he will not become embroiled in any transfer talk in the window that opens on Thursday and is not sure anyone will be coming in.

He said: “It is the manager's decision to make but we have a good squad of players. I won't be going anywhere.”

Fulham have been linked with Town midfielder Veliche Shumulikoski, while Alex Bruce, who has finished his four-match ban and has been linked with a move to Norwich.