Ipswich Town interim boss John McGreal happy to have got a positive reaction in draw at Wigan Athletic
Interim manager John McGreal felt Ipswich Town were well worth their from this afternoon's 1-1 draw in Sky Bet League One at second-placed Wigan Athletic.
Callum Lang converted from close-range following a James McClean corner in the 22nd minute to give The Latics the advantage at the interval.
But substitute James Norwood marked his return to the team with a crucial goal in the 77th minute, also firing in following a corner not being cleared, which earned the Suffolk side a point.
The Blues remain nine points off the play-off places in 12th but McGreal was pleased to see a positive response at the DW Stadium from Tuesday's disappointing 2-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic.
"We still need to improve, there's no question about that, but we reacted well to Tuesday," he told iFollow Ipswich following his second match after being placed in interim charge, following last weekend's sacking of Paul Cook.
"It was a very tight game, particularly in the first half and we gave a sloppy goal away.
"But the boys came out in the second half and did well. We finished the stronger team and the impact from the subs was great.
"I think we showed good patience today and there was a structure to the group. Our fans needed to see our boys have a right go and I think they got that.
"We never had a shot on target against Charlton and that's criminal. Today we went with two boys up top as we felt we could get at their back four - it proved the case.
"There is a lot to work on, but we deserved something today and whoever comes in as manager will see that the boys are in a good place."
McGreal also praised the almost 1,100 Town fans that made the long journey up to Greater Manchester, which came off the back of an ugly confrontation between the away support and the players, in particular Toto Nsiala, at Chartlon.
"We didn't perform the other night but even when we went to warm up this afternoon, they were so receptive to us," he said.
"It was a horrible day to travel and it's a good five hours or so away, so I have nothing but praise for them.
"Our fans follow us and give us great support. We gave them a performance today, and yes there are things to work on still, but the performance will hopefully give them a happy journey home.
"I love the fans to death and that's been the case ever since I first played here."
Captain Sam Morsy felt the game at his former club was 'a step in the right direction'.
Speaking to iFollow Ipswich he said: "It was a tough game. I thought they were better in the first half and that we were better in the second half.
"Towards the end, there was only going to be one team who would nick it and that was us. It’s a step in the right direction.
"We know we have to be better and, as captain of the club, I know the standard and I know what it takes. I’m going to give absolutely everything I can.
"In the second half, they’ve seen a team fighting for each other. That’s what we’ve got to do because the lads are determined to keep this season alive."
He went on to apologise for his and the team's performance at Charlton and thanked the travelling fans this afternoon.
The Tractor Boys will now switch their focus back to the Emirates FA Cup with their replay at League Two Barrow in Cumbria on Wednesday (7.45pm) set to be aired live on ITV4. The winners will face a trip to Championship outfit Barnsley on January 8 (3pm).
Meanwhile, Town's trip to Plough Lane to face AFC Wimbledon, originally set for January 8, will now take place on Tuesday, January 25 (7.45pm), with The Wombles due in action themselves in the FA Cup that day.