Watford manager Ray Lewington felt that Town were the best side his Watford team had met this season after Sunday's game at Vicarage Road. Blues' manager Joe Royle was flattered by his counterpart's comments.

Lewington feels it takes a decent side to beat his lads: "I said at the start of the season that if we were to lose then the other team must play well to beat us.

"Ipswich certainly did that and I would say they are the best team we have played this season - and that includes Portsmouth and Leicester, who play in a slightly different way.

"We knew we would have days like this. Ipswich looked that little more assured and had a touch of Premiership class.

"I told the players we wanted no long faces in the dressing room because we played a side who I think can still join the promotion race."

Town boss Joe Royle was chuffed with Lewington's comments: "It's very kind of Ray to say that, but this was not a one-off.

"We have been showing progress over all five games and if we continue to play in this way then I think we can make progress up the league. It's going to be a long haul and we have to beat everyone to do it."

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