IPSWICH Town midfielder Jay Tabb wasn’t too disappointed that his side had missed the chance to go top of the Championship by failing to beat Wanderers.

Derby’s lunchtime defeat to Middlesbrough had blown the summit of the league wide open, with Bournemouth eventually seizing the advantage by beating Blackburn Rovers.

Tabb insists the Tractor Boys were heading back to the South East happy with a goalless draw.

“In the grand scheme of things it is a point gained,” he said. “Teams who go on and get promoted come to places like this and if you have to get a point, you pick up a point. It's a good result for us.

“There's no sense of disappointment (at not going top). It's nice to look at the table and see you are up, but you can't think like that. The table takes care of itself. We'd all prefer to see ourselves at the top at the end of the season rather than December 13.”

Tabb had the chance of the game for the visitors, seeing a second-half shot blocked superbly by Andy Lonergan.

But the midfielder was complimentary about his opponents, admitting Wanderers look a much-improved side.

"It was a tough game,” he said. “The first half was even. We knew they are a good side as they have been five games unbeaten. You could see why. They are very organised and have good players.

“A few of us had chances and we should have scored. It was a good save, but I should have scored.”

Ipswich boss McCarthy believes a handful of teams will soon pull away at the top of the league.

“I don't think it will be open at all,” he said. “Boro are strong and up there. Derby and Bournemouth are the best two teams we've played. They may pull away - but maybe we will too.

“But it will be relentless. You have to be on the blob every week. You mustn't let your guard down at all.”