Bolton v Ipswich: Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy was happy to see his side continue their consistent run of form with a goalless draw at Bolton this afternoon.

Following an even first half between two hard-working and organised sides – now unbeaten in six and eight matches respectively – Town dominated the second period and saw home keeper Andy Lonergan make two fine saves from the impressive Jay Tabb.

Asked if his ‘no such thing as a bad away point’ philosophy still applied, he said: “Absolutely. I know second half we were the dominant team, but I thought first half they were the better side slightly. They were a bit profligate when they had the chances to create something and didn’t. Our goalie hasn’t made a save to be honest.

“In the second half we were the better side and there looked like there’d only be one winner, but I was always conscious that they could nick one.

“Their keeper made two great saves off Tabby – the first one he’s blocked and the second one from the header; I don’t know how he had any clue where it was going, it was a great save.

“I think in the second half he’s earnt his side the point, but that’s what he’s there for. We couldn’t win it, so don’t get beat. I’ll take the point.”

Town have slipped from second to fourth in the table, Bournemouth and Middlesbrough moving into the automatic promotion spots following wins. The Blues host Boro – who beat Derby 2-0 in the lunchtime match – next weekend.

“We’ve just been going through the results and there have been a few goals scored hasn’t there?” said McCarthy. “Bournemouth have knocked five in (5-3 home win over Cardiff), Norwich as well (5-0 home win over Huddersfield). Good luck to them. There’s nothing we can do about their results.

“There are some good teams at the top of our league. Derby, Bournmemouth, Middlesbrough... If somebody wants to include us in that then I’d be delighted.”

With his side having suffered just one defeat in 17 now, he added: “I think Bolton are back at it now. I asked the guys afterwards, ‘what do you think about that then?’ And they all said ‘good point’. It was a tough away game that we played well in but did not win. So we’ll take the point.

“We’ve been playing well, we’ve been on a good run, we’ve had good away points, good home wins – let’s just keep it going. I think that’s kept it going for us today.”

Bolton boss Neil Lennon said: “I thought we had two very good chances first half; one when (Max) Clayton cut inside and another when, for some reason, Tim (Ream) has decided to pass rather than shoot. Ipswich came on strong second half, Andy (Lonergan) has made a good save, but apart from that I don’t think there was much else in the game.

“I’m pretty pleased with the point against a strong Ipswich team. If you can’t win the match then don’t lose it.”

– See Monday’s EADT and Ipswich Star for match analysis, comment and more reaction.