Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna felt his side deserved Sam Morsy's stoppage-time equaliser in this afternoon's 1-1 draw at Southampton.
Tyler Dibling gave the hosts a fifth minute lead, with Aaron Ramsdale and Aro Muric subsequently making super stops in a finely-balanced and fiercely competitive game, before Morsy fired in via the aid of a deflection at the death.
“It’s an enjoyable moment, I have to say," said McKenna. "It was a hard fought game. I think on the balance of play we probably deserved a point. And it’s a great way to get it.
“We score late in a game away from home against a team who are fighting for their first win and had great energy from the crowd and were showing resilience. We kept pushing, had a big chance with George (Hirst) just beforehand where the keeper makes a terrific save and went again. For Samy to score that goal, as captain, in front of the away fans was fantastic.
“It’s big for us as a young group that’s coming together in a new division to go through an experience like that, on top of the experience we had last week as well (digging in for a 0-0 draw at Brighton).
“It’s good to know we can score late in a game. Having that belief that we are capable of scoring late goals has been a big, big part of our story and so for a new group to go through that together today is a fantastic experience for us.
"Look, I was really hoping that the group would get the goal because I know how important those things can be. I know how we’ve built that over the last couple of seasons – to become a team who have regularly scored late goals in big moments in big games. I always believe in these boys that if they keep following the plan of how to chase games late on then we always give ourselves a chance of getting a goal."
Following defeats to Liverpool and Man City, Town have now drawn three Premier League games in a row - against Fulham, Brighton and Southampton.
“Three games, two of them away, each a challenge, as they will be, with their own story," said McKenna. "For us to be as competitive as we have been, to show the different qualities that we have, is good. Last week was a different point to this one. At Brighton we were defending and looking to see out a point. This week we’re trying to chase the point and get the late equaliser.
“Look, we know we’ve still got a lot of improving to go. There are things from today that I think we will definitely be better on over the course of time. But while we’re working on our execution in all phases, building the foundations of a successful group – like never giving up, like showing resilience – is more important. And we’ve done those things over the last couple of weeks. It’s always nice to get something from away games."
Meanwhile, explaining Kalvin Phillips absence, McKenna said: “It’s a very small injury in his thigh muscle. He picked it up late in the training week and wasn't quite right for today. I'm pleased with Jens (Cajuste) getting his opportunity. I thought he did well coming in having not had many competitive minutes this season."
Reflecting further on the game, McKenna said: "I thought we were dominant in the first 25 minutes, but one moment of outstanding quality from (Adam) Lallana went against us. Of course they had their moments and opportunities in the game as well.
"I'm sure they'll be disappointed, but it's very early in the season for both teams."
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