IPSWICH Town still face the prospect of playing League One football next season according to defender Carlos Edwards.

“If we don’t improve our home form we could get into trouble,” said Edwards, who is not expecting Saturday’s visit of third from bottom Scunthorpe to be an easy ride.

The Blues remain 12 points above Scunthorpe after Tuesday’s home defeat to Watford – their third successive loss at Portman Road with one goal scored and eight conceded.

But Edwards says that there is still a lot to play for to secure Championship football.

“Saturday will be tough as Scunthorpe under a new manager will be fighting for their lives,” added Edwards.

“Our season is far from over – we still need points and if we play like we did on Tuesday in our final nine games we will struggle to gain any. We are still in the relegation battle.”

Edwards is at a loss to explain how recent away form has been much better than at Portman Road, although he said: “Perhaps we created too many chances against Portsmouth and there are none left in our locker!

“You have to have a sense of humour about it all as my young daughter cannot understand why I am so miserable when I have been going home after recent home matches.

“Tuesday’s display was just unacceptable. We had spells of doing okay, but when it came down to the nitty gritty of being able to punish a side it just did not happen.”

Town manager Paul Jewell kept his players in the dressing for 30 minutes on Tuesday, but he did not throw any tea cups around.

“I was shocked how subtle and calm the manager was,” added Edwards.

“We were let off easy-peasy and if it had been the previous manager the club could be needing a new dressing room now.

“As players we have to be relieved that we did not get our heads chewed off.”