NOT for the first time since taking over as Ipswich Town manager, Jim Magilton was unhappy with a lack of quality in the final third of the field at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

By Elvin King

NOT for the first time since taking over as Ipswich Town manager, Jim Magilton was unhappy with a lack of qual-ity in the final third of the field at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

He said: “We dominated possession for large parts of the game and had our chances, but we were not brave enough on the ball.

“We did not have enough quality in the final third and were lulled into playing long balls. We did not have enough zip.

“Palace, like us, are looking to make a run, and I thought we could get at them, which is why I played two wingers.

“But we didn't show the necessary desire and quality on occasions, and that is very disappointing.

“Palace didn't create much, but we never exploited that.

“We had chances in the first half and, when you are on top, you have to take them. Their crowd was ready for turning.

“But we switched off at a set-piece and paid the price again.

“We have been defending much better lately so it was disappointing to lose a goal in that fashion.”

Crystal Palace manager Peter Taylor admitted if his side had not gone on an unbeaten league run since December 22 he would probably now be out of a job.

But now he is looking for a top-six finish. He said: “We are ten points away from the play-offs, but we are very capable of putting in a run of good results.

“We did not have the best of starts but kept going and scored the goal to get us on our way and I thought we were very professional in the manner we played with both 11 and ten men.

“I did not see the Tom Soares sending off incident, but I know there is no malice between him and Dan Harding as they were together in my Under-21 squad.

“Tom said he overstretched and the other players said it did not merit a straight red.”

Ipswich Town have a reserve game today when they play Southend at 2pm. The match was brought forward last Friday after originally being scheduled for tomorrow.

Town's Championship game at Hull City has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, March 6 (kick-off 7.45pm). It was originally due to be played on Saturday week, when the Blues will now be playing at Watford in the FA Cup.