Furious Ipswich boss Joe Royle slammed referee Paul Taylor after last night's Carling Cup defeat. The Blues chief fumed: "I'm so bitterly disappointed that we only got one penalty as I feel we should have had three.

By Dave Allard

Furious Ipswich boss Joe Royle slammed referee Paul Taylor after last night's Carling Cup defeat.

The Blues chief fumed: "I'm so bitterly disappointed that we only got one penalty as I feel we should have had three.

The irate manager went on "As well at that I'm absolutely gutted with the decision that gave them their penalty.

"I'd go as far as to say that it was the worst penalty decision I've seen for 30 years."

Royle, forced to field a depleted side last night, continued: "I really do hate criticising referees. But the performance from the main official in this game really was unacceptable.

"We wanted to go on in this competition. But now we are out of it and I feel that the referee had a big part to play in that.

"I can't help looking back on some terrible decisions. When their penalty was given even the Notts County bench were laughing.

"It was never a foul by Fabian Wilnis. He knows that and so does everybody else, apart from the referee it seems."

Nick Fenton, the Notts County defender, was lucky to stay on the field following what looked like a blatant foul after being booked.

Royle said: "That was another poor decision amongst several the referee made. I can't help but feel very very upset and angry with what went on.

"The referee didn't give our penalty, the linesman did. Then soon after the referee does make a decision to award a ridiculous one to them."

On the Town display Royle said: "For all our possession we didn't test their keeper enough.

"At one stage we had four forwards on the field but we could not get enough shots on goal. It was lovely to see youngster like Sam Morrow get a chance.

"I think the world of the kid and it was great experience for him to come on. But how he missed his chance I'll never know.

Injuries hampered Town last night with Alan Mahon going off with a groin injury and Matt Richards suffering after a challenge.

These problems came on top of a host of other longer term injury problems and the absence of loanee Chris Bart-Williams because Charlton did not want him cup tied.

Royle said: "The absence of Bart-Williams was a blow as he had been so steady for us and the threat of Mahon did not last long due to his injury.

"I also have to say I felt we missed the pace of Darren Bent up front and, hopefully, he won't be out for long."

Despite the criticism of the referee and the disappointment with the lack of punch from his side, Royle had kind words for Notts County manager Billy Dearden, whom he described as a good friend.

Royle, like Dearden a former striker, declared: "Billy is a good pal and good luck to him. His team worked hard and deserved praise.

"I wish them all the best in the next stage of the competition and hope they can go on to make a bit of cash."