"WE need to get the balance right," said Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle after the 1-1 draw with Reading."We have a bit of improving to do, but we did not deserve to lose," he added.

By Elvin King

"WE need to get the balance right," said Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle after the 1-1 draw with Reading.

"We have a bit of improving to do, but we did not deserve to lose," he added.

Royle was not surprised when referee Brian Curson awarded Town a last minute face-saving penalty.

The Town boss added: "It is hard for referees, and they have only one look at each situation.

"From the dug-out I thought it was a spot-kick and Jim Magilton said that there was contact even though it was minimal.

"Reading's goal came from the only time when we did not defend properly and Drissa Diallo gave an exceptional performance – a strong candidate for man of the match.

"I said at half-time that a 1-0 scoreline was likely and Kelvin Davis had only one save to make – the only save in the game.

"Reading played well, and defended along the penalty area, giving us no space to get behind.

"Our front players had an off day, but at least we have got a foothold on to the season

following a late equaliser.

"We did not get a lot of good fortune last

season. Perhaps it will equal out this time. We will not always play 4-3-3.

"Alan Pardew must be disappointed and I was concerned for him when I saw him go haring after the referee at the finish."

Reading manager Pardew said that during his time as a player, manager and coach he has never felt so frustrated.

He said that he had a few words with the referee as they left the field. "I was protecting my players from getting to him," said Pardew.

"It would be fair to say the Mr Curson did not have a good day and I will be interested to see the assessor's report.

"I did not want to take off Steve Sidwell, but I felt I had to. The referee looked as though he was in the mood to show a red card and Steve looked the prime candidate.

"This disrupted us and so did the sending off of Nicky Shorey for what looked to me to be an innocuous tackle.

"The final straw was the penalty and I blame my man for going to ground. I would expect my forwards to go over the same as Jim Magilton did, but it did not warrant a penalty kick.

"It is the most frustrated I have been in football and I will need physio treatment after

kicking my toe against a wall.

"With a head wound to Adi Williams as well we were disrupted for the last 20 minutes or so and it was all rather traumatic.

"The downside was that I forgot to shake Joe Royle's hand, but I have apologised and made up for that."