JIM Magilton's stunning winner at Watford left Ipswich boss Joe Royle in raptures.But Royle was less happy with the level of the Blues' performance in their 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road.

By Georgina James

JIM Magilton's stunning winner at Watford left Ipswich boss Joe Royle in raptures.

But Royle was less happy with the level of the Blues' performance in their 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road.

Magilton chipped former Ipswich keeper Alec Chamberlain from the edge of the box to grab the 82nd minute winner and extend Town's winning Nationwide League Division One run to three matches.

"That was worthy of winning a better match," declared Royle.

But he added: "In the first half we were turgid. We gave 100 per cent effort but had no quality.

"We hadn't strung anything together and were really struggling, at half-time I thought if we do nothing else we're at least going to pass the ball.

"I made two substitutions and changed things around and it's always nice when they come off, even if we did conspire to give away a sloppy goal.

"Our three midfield men ran the show and I thought we deserved to win.

"Jim Magilton was terrific and truly deserved to score the winning goal. He has been terrific all season and has always wanted the ball.

"In the second half we played more like I know we can.

"At the moment results are so important to us and we'll get confidence from winning and that will make our performances better. There is still more to come from this team."

Royle paid tribute to on-loan debutant Shefki Kuqi, who marked his debut as a half-time

substitute with a rapid equaliser.

"Shefki scored with only his second touch of the game and I thought he did very well," he said. "He had three attempts on goal and scored one and he gave them a lot of problems. All you can ask of someone on their debut is to score and he did that.

"He is 14 stone, strong and physical and can play a bit. He plays in a good Finland side and I'm delighted to have him. He is quick and I know he'll work hard for the team."

TOWN'S controversial 2-1 Carling Cup defeat at Notts County last week has denied them a lucrative third round tie at Chelsea.

A match at Stamford Bridge would have put Ipswich into the national spotlight against the big-spending Premiership outfit.

Lowly Second Division side County will have their precarious financial situation bolstered by a trip to face Claudio Ranieri's side next month.