By Derek Davis, Chief Football WriterGARY Megson is hoping Ipswich play as they did against his Forest side for the rest of the season - especially this week.

By Derek Davis,

Chief Football Writer

GARY Megson is hoping Ipswich play as they did against his Forest side for the rest of the season - especially this week.

The Blues take on two of Forest's relegation rivals with trips to Cardiff tomorrow and Gillingham on Saturday.

“Ipswich gave us a really good hiding. There were extenuating circumstances, but that is to take nothing away from Ipswich - they were marvellous.

“That performance was as good as I have ever seen at this level and I just hope they can repeat it again for the next couple of games at least.”

Megson refused to hide behind any excuses but did admit his squad had been hit by sickness.

He said: “One or two of our players had problems with illness, but I don't want to take anything away from Ipswich.

“From the very first minute we did not look to be at the races. We were second to every ball and it was only a matter of time before they scored.

“I was disappointed at the manner of the first goal, but after that the floodgates opened. We were a yard off the pace.

“We had a good hiding, but I am hopeful that it was just a one-off. We have had two wins from three away games, but obviously we were well beaten.

“There were no positives apart from the performance of Gareth Taylor, who battled away manfully up front.”

The game was so one-sided that Forest would have had no complaints if Town had beaten Forest's record defeat of

9-1 handed to them by Blackburn Rovers in 1937.

It was the worst defeat Megson has ever suffered as manager.

He said: “Paul Gerrard said this was the first time that he had conceded six goals and I cannot remember a score like that in my managerial career. It hurts.”

Just as Town could do Forest a favour this week, Megson's side could give the Blues a helping hand, as they play Wigan at the City Ground on Saturday.