Royle hails team spirit

JOE Royle, the Ipswich Town manager, is anticipating a successful remainder of the season.

His side began last night's game against Nottingham Forest 11 points better off than at the same stage last campaign.

And this fact is not lost on the wily Ipswich boss. He said after a 1-1 draw at The City ground: "In the last 12 months we may have lost some top individual players but we are a stronger unit.

"There is a lot of spirit in the team and I cannot fault the lads with the way they are going about their task.

"If we carry on in this vein then we can keep well ahead of our points tally for last term."

Ipswich just lost out in a play-off place, ironically mainly because they lost at home to Forest after being two goals ahead.

Royle was satisfied with a draw against Forest adding: "We had to dig in and work hard to bring home something.

"Forest will no doubt feel aggrieved at not being ahead at half-time, but we improved after the break as play levelled out.

"It is a bit disappointing that Darren Bent was unable to convert a late chance, but overall a draw was fair.

"Forest are a good team and in a false position with Kelvin Davis needing to make very good saves to keep their score down to one."

Royle's opposite number Paul Hart, an agitated figure in front of the home dug out for much of the 90 minutes, thought his team deserved three points. He said: "We gave Ipswich a few problems and they are an excellent side.

"We deserved the win and credit to my players for bouncing back well after their 3-0 defeat by West Brom on Saturday.

"Last year Ipswich were the best side to come to the City ground and they are still strong and I like the way they play.

"We got plenty of crosses into the box and scored from one of them."

And rather tongue in cheek Hart added: "And the conversion into the net by Wes Morgan was as sweet as a nut. It will do for me."