Lambert’s delight as Town victorious at home

Ipswich boss Paul Lambert was understandably pleased as he recorded his first victory as their manager.

Freddie Sears’ second-half deflected strike proved enough to beat Wigan Athletic on a bitterly cold afternoon in Suffolk.

The swirling wind made it difficult for either side to utilise their passing ability, and Lambert stated it was always going to lead to a poor standard of football.

“The conditions were horrendous,” said Lambert. “You can play in the rain, but the wind does not make anything good.

“First half I thought we were dominant with the ball, we played a good game and never really looked under threat. Second half had to defend strong and deal with the conditions.”

The victory, Town’s first home win in the League since April 2018, moves the Blues to within five points of safety in the Sky Bet Championship; but Lambert admitted that there is still more work to be done in order to avoid relegation.

 “I think we’ve deserved more [in previous matches],” the Blues boss said. “We’ve played really well in a lot of games and got nothing. Drawn a few when we should have won, the level of performance from the lads though you can’t ask for anything more.

“Nobody knows how key that victory will be, there’s a hell of a lot of games to go. It’s one win, we’ve got to win the next one now. We’re playing well though.

“We were playing so well with the ball, dominating with the ball, and we knew we would have to see things through sometimes.

“There’s a long, long way to go. Let’s see what happens but there is a long way to go.

“Every game is important. The bottom line is as soon as your season starts it’s must-win.

Despite the poor conditions, over sixteen thousand attended the League fixture and the Blues supporters were behind their team from start to finish as they claimed the victory, leaving Lambert to dedicate the three points to them.

“I’ve never experienced an atmosphere in the stadium like that when at the bottom of the table,” said Lambert. “The supporters have been absolutely brilliant.

“We have to give them something back as well because they’ll get behind us. I’ve seen from my short time here how loyal they are and how vocal they are.”