Jim Magilton says Town must bounce back against Charlton on Saturday after watching his team go down to FA Cup Semi-Finalists Barnsley.

Pablo Counago gave Blues a 20^th minute lead but a brace from Brian Howard, a header from former Town loanee Jon Macken and a David Wright own goal gave the scoreline a misleading 4-1 look.

"We started the game brightly, scored a good goal and looked as though we would go and get something from the game," said Town boss Jim.

"But we gifted them a way back into the game and they are riding a crest of a wave at the moment.

"I thought Jon Macken impeded our 'keeper for the second goal and the penalty was harsh, Shumi got a lot of the ball but it was a long way back from 3-1 and some of our heads dropped from there.

"At 2-1 down, we had the chances to have got back in the game. Alan and Pablo have both hit the woodwork and we played well. We had enough opportunities to have got something from the game not taking them and defensive failings have cost us again.

"Our biggest fear now is that we let the season slip away and we are making things hard for ourselves but that always seems to be the Ipswich way.

"We have some very disappointed bodies in our dressing-room but we have to pick ourselves up because we need a reaction against Charlton at the weekend."

Jim didn't place any blame on the pitch that survived an inspection two hours before kick-off, adding: "The groundsman did a great job. It was poor defending that cost us the game, not the pitch."

Despite the defeat, Blues are still only three points off the top six with Play-Off rivals Charlton at Portman Road at the weekend. Tickets are on sale now.