Kieran McKenna feels Ipswich were worthy winners in derby triumph over Norwich

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna felt his side were deserving winners after their first East Anglian derby victory over Norwich in 16 years.

Jaden Philogene scored a brilliant goal from 30 yards to restore the hosts’ advantage on the stroke of half-time, after Cedric Kipre’s 32nd-minute opener had been cancelled out by Oscar Schwartau.

Jack Clarke added a third goal 13 minutes from time at Portman Road as Town triumphed 3-1 to move up to ninth in the Sky Bet Championship table, two points off the top six.

“I think it (the result) means a lot to the town and is really special in many regards,” McKenna said.

“I think we deserved the win and we had a threat all game. We had a threat with our runners against their back line and we got in behind them and round the side of them lots of times, and I thought we were really good value for at least three goals.

“We did not give much away other than that there were bits of it that were typical derby which were scrappy and challenges and duels and second balls.

“I really liked our intent to play our football even in those circumstances. A big part of what got us our success over the last few years as a team, we played without fear on any occasion and we try and impose ourselves.

“We got stuck a few times and had to deal with a lot of tension in the crowd and around the game, but all the players kept calm heads.”

Norwich head coach Liam Manning cut a frustrating figure after the defeat, which kept his team just two points above the relegation zone.

“It was a hugely disappointing one for us and it hurts,” Manning said. “It was a frustrating one and really disappointed with the result.

“When you look at the game and how it went, I think it falls on us, the type of goals we give away.

“The second one, people will talk about the finish, but if you look at what leads to the opportunity, it’s a real simple thing about the
regain, the same as the third one.

“I thought the second half we started OK, had elements of control and another really poor turnover leads to another opportunity for them, so it’s on us again. We have got to look at ourselves, we have got to take responsibility.

“I didn’t think there was a huge amount in it up until the third goal. The first half, we caused them some problems.

“They caused us a few problems, but performance-wise I did not think there was a lot in it.”