Jim Magilton criticised his Ipswich Town players for conceding ‘stupid’ goals in their defeat against Cardiff.

Defensive blunders led to both first-half goals and the Blues boss said: “It was extremely disappointing, especially after winning the other night (Town beat Bristol City 3-1 last Wednesday).

“We were trying to build up a head of steam but it just didn’t happen for us.

“We started brightly and had one or two good opportunities and they put their bodies on the line.

“But Cardiff didn’t have to work too hard for their goals and we can’t afford to give stupid ones like that away.

“We fought our way back and Ben Thatcher showed a real desire to win the ball (in the build-up to the second goal).

“At half-time we had to remember what happened on Wednesday.

“I thought we would create more opportunities but we petered out and didn’t have the same intensity as the other night.

“With ten men (following Thatcher’s sending-off for two cautions) it was going to be even more difficult.

“But we tried to stay positive with a 4-3-2 formation, hoping to exploit Danny Haynes’ pace.”

Of Thatcher’s dismissal, Magilton added: “I haven’t spoken to the referee but I thought Ben got a bit of the ball for the first booking.

“The second one was a bit silly.”