IPSWICH Town will play their way out of their away-day blues.With manager Jim Magilton closing in on bringing in a loan player to bolster a defence that has leaked 15 goals in five away matches this season, technical skills coach Steve Foley looks ahead with optimism.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town will play their way out of their away-day blues.

With manager Jim Magilton closing in on bringing in a loan player to bolster a defence that has leaked 15 goals in five away matches this season, technical skills coach Steve Foley looks ahead with optimism.

“There will be no U-turn,” said Foley today. “We will continue to play the way that the manager wants - to get the ball down and knock it around.

“This is the right way, and the Ipswich Town way. We know we are not far away.”

Town have collected two points out of 15 away from Portman Road this season and it is now nine games since they won on the road.

However, there were encouraging signs in the 2-2 draw at Burnley on Tuesday that the tide is about to turn.

With nine points from the first three home matches this term - and 21 from the last seven in total - Magilton has his side firing on all cylinders at Portman Road. A run of good results away from home could see the Blues rise up the table.

“We made five good chances at West Brom, struck the post twice at Hull and were unlucky to only draw with a freak equaliser and a controversial disallowed late winner at Burnley,” said Foley.

“It is a fine edge and we will probably receive some sort of apology for having Pablo Counago's effort disallowed.

“That will mean nothing, but how we react to the situation will. It has gone now and we must move on. I felt sorry for the lads as winning away has become a big issue.”

Foley was instrumental in playing a 4-2-3-1 system at Turf Moor and he said: “It worked well, and it was another gamble we took. The players took it on board very well.

“We still have work to do on our defending as both goals at Burnley were avoidable.”

Magilton is homing in on a loan signing to bolster his defence. Sources inside Portman Road confirm that two players are in his sights and it remains to be seen whether any newcomer arrives in time for Saturday's home match against Preston.

Town's young players, including Michael Synott, Tommy Smith and Jordan Rhodes impressed when the Blues beat Charlton 1-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Ipswich's Rushmere training ground yesterday. Dean Bowditch netted the Ipswich winner.