adminIpswich Town boss Kieran McKenna was left frustrated after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by promotion rivals Millwall at Portman Road, insisting his team should have comfortably secured all three points.
McKenna felt Ipswich’s dominance in the first half warranted a lead of two or even three goals. The hosts took the lead before the break through Jack Clarke, but Millwall responded shortly after halftime when Josh Coburn found the equaliser.
The result leaves Ipswich in third place, with Millwall just behind them in fourth. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough remain two points ahead after their goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers, although Ipswich still have a game in hand.
Speaking after the match, McKenna admitted he was disappointed not to come away with a win. He praised his team’s first-half performance, describing it as excellent in all areas except their finishing, which he believed should have put the game beyond reach before the interval.
He also expressed frustration that his side failed to capitalise in the second half, particularly when Millwall pushed forward and left spaces that Ipswich were unable to exploit. McKenna acknowledged the visitors’ threat, especially from crosses and set-pieces, but felt his team should have managed the game better and extended their lead during key moments on the counter.
Millwall manager Alex Neil, however, saw the match differently. He admitted his side struggled early on, appearing unsettled and unable to control possession, while Ipswich dictated play.
Neil revealed that Ipswich’s opening goal served as a turning point, prompting a more aggressive approach after the break. Following the equaliser, he believed his team created opportunities to snatch a winner, including a late effort from substitute Mihailo Ivanović that struck the crossbar.
Despite acknowledging Ipswich’s superiority in the first half, Neil felt his side showed resilience after the break and made the necessary adjustments to get back into the contest, ultimately earning a valuable point.
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