IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell has hailed the new-found resilience in his side after they came from behind to beat Brighton 3-1 at Portman Road.

Having dominated the first half the Blues could have capitulated after former Spanish international Vicente’s sensational 54th minute opener.

Instead they came roaring back as Michael Chopra broke his barren spell in front of goal with two breathtaking strikes from the edge of the box, those goals coming either side of a towering Ibrahima Sonko header.

“We’d have lost that match earlier in the season,” said Jewell. “There’s a new resilience about the team and club now though.”

He continued: “I was a bit annoyed at half-time because we’d created plenty of chances but not been clinical enough.

“You start to fear the worst when that happens but the crowd stuck with us and really lifted us. I think they could see that the team was trying and playing well and deserved the win.”

Jewell was also full of praise for Chopra after he ended an eight-game spell without a goal with two superb strikes.

“In the first half the keeper makes a great save from him,” said the Blues boss. “It’s a great cross, great technique on the shot, but that’s the third time in the last three games the keeper has made a good save from him. You start wondering then if it’s going to be his day then.

“They were terrific goals and the great thing about him is he never goes and hides.

“You could see the whole club and players and delighted for him because it’s been a long time since he scored. He’s never stopped contributing to the team though.

“He’s a clever player. He’s got a great touch and good awareness about him and hopefully he can go on a bit of a goalscoring run now.”

Meanwhile, Brighton manager Gus Poyet – who admitted his side were ‘second best all over the pitch’ – confirmed that assistant boss Mauricio Taricco has decided to retire from playing.

The Town cult hero played an hour against Crystal Palace on Tuesday but, despite an impressed Poyet asking him to play on, the Argentine has decided he would not be fit enough for the rigours of the Championship at 38.

– Full match report, analysis and reaction in Monday’s EADT and Evening Star.