DE VOS HAS NO DEFENCE FOR IPSWICH FALL GUYS AS STOKE RACE TO SUCCESS

DEFENDER Jason De Vos admitted Ipswich were "never at the races" on a Grand National day debacle at Portman Road.

The game was goalless at the break, but Stoke struck four times in 39 second-half minutes.

Canadian centre-back De Vos insisted: "There was no lack of effort. It was just one of those days.

"We couldn't click and it was so frustrating. We've been on a good run since Christmas but have lost the last two now. We have to pull our socks up.

"Next season starts now as far as I'm concerned and we've got so much to prove to our fans and ourselves over the final four games."

Stoke central defender and skipper Michael Duberry said City's game-plan had paid off.

"We came with the intention of packing the midfield and outplaying Ipswich," he said. "I felt we did just that."

There had been speculation about Duberry moving to Sheffield United in the summer, but the 30-year-old said: "I'm very happy at Stoke, being an elder statesman in a good young side." Ipswich had more possession in the first half, but could not find a cutting edge.

City drew first blood on 51 minutes when Fabian Wilnis headed into his own net. Substitue Danny Haynes levelled for Ipswich, but Sambegou Bangoura made it 2-1 for the visitors with eight minutes left, and Luke Chadwick and Darel Russell completed the rout with injury-time goals.

"We were collectively inept," said Ipswich boss Joe Royle. "Stoke were faster, more passionate and more energetic."

Dave Allard (Daily Mirror)