"We missed good chances but should have had a penalty when Kuqi was pulled down in the second half. We just didn't have the run of the game and I was always worried about conceding a goal on the break."
Speaking of the decision to replace first choice goalkeeper Kelvin Davis with Welsh Under 21 international Lewis Price at half time, Royle said: "Kelvin had been struggling for a couple of days with a sore back.
"He felt it again in the kickaround but we injected him before the start so he was able to get through half a game. We think he will be all right by the weekend. Lewis Price came on but didn't have a great deal to do."
Speaking of his achivement of reaching 1,000 games in management following this evenings clash, Royle admitted: "It's nice to reach 1,000 matches in a somewhat precarious profession. It would have been nicer still to have celebrated with a win."
Reading manager Steve Coppell meanwhile admitted he felt his side deserved the point they came away with: "As the away team we deserved a point but Ipswich made it hard for us.
"The way they play in a flexible shape in the middle of the park made it difficult for our two midfield players to come to terms with three opponents.
Speaking of the injury to skipper Adie Williams who was forced to be substituted after 35 minutes of play, Coppell said: "It was a hotbed environment for him but he became more adjusted in the second half.
"We'll know the extent of Adie's injury in the morning but are hopeful that he might be out for only a couple of weeks."
Coppell also had praise for Royle reaching 1,000 games as a manger: "His achievement is magnificent. I have nothing but admiration for any manager who gets to a thousand games in this job. I have nothing but respect and enjoy Joe's company and his outlook in both football and life."