Post match reaction to draw at Southampton

Last updated : 03 March 2008 By Morris (southampton)

Pearson yelled himself so hoarse as he urged his new side towards a first win since he took over, he had totally lost his voice by full time.

David Norris' first goal for Ipswich denied Pearson a maiden victory when he cancelled out Stern John's second-half strike.

But an encouraging display suggested the former Newcastle coach is unlikely to have to wait as long as Kevin Keegan, the man he left behind at St James' Park, to taste success.

"Everyone knows the manager and his character and it's starting to rub off on the players," explained first-team coach Jason Dodd.

"We can't fault any of the players. The manager has been working on a gameplan all week and everyone played how he wanted them to play."

After Southampton had edged a hard-fought first half, during which they had a penalty claim waved away when Marek Saganowski tumbled in the area, they finally went ahead six minutes after the break.

John collected Jhon Viafara's cross, held off challenges from Richard Naylor and David Wright and smashed the ball past Stephen Bywater and into the roof of the net from 15 yards.

The lead lasted just five minutes, however, as Norris - a £2million January capture from Plymouth - cut in unchecked from the right, waltzed into the Southampton penalty area and buried a low shot past Kelvin Davis.

Saints then passed up numerous chances to win the game, with John and David McGoldrick firing wide and Inigo Idiakez forcing a superb save from Bywater.

However, Danny Haynes and Alan Lee should have done better with late opportunities for Town, so Dodd was satisfied with a point.

"It was a much better performance, there are a lot of positives," he added.

"We were a lot more solid and together, and we probably had the better chances. But we know Ipswich are a decent side."

A point lifted Town into the play-off places and manager Jim Magilton, a former Saints midfielder, felt they were good value for a draw.

"We worked very hard and if we had come away with nothing I would have been disappointed," said Magilton.

"You have to give credit to Southampton but I'm slightly disappointed. Our quality on the ball wasn't where I want it to be so we still have work to do if we want to get to the highest level.

"I'm delighted for David, he's worked very hard and it was a great finish. We showed some resilience to come back from 1-0 down whereas earlier in the season we might have gone under.

"If we have any aspirations to play at the highest level we have to do better. There are things to work on, we are still improving."

PA Sport