NEIL Lennon could not understand how his side emerged empty-handed at Portman Road.

Jay Tabb’s 78th minute strike ensured a sixth consecutive defeat for Wanderers, who had ample opportunities to take something from the game.

Lennon was distraught that Wanderers had not managed to get on the scoresheet.

"Rochinha, Eidur, Tim Ream and Craig Davies at the end; we should have had four. They are not difficult chances, they are easy chances,” he told The Bolton News.

“The performance was good, the set-up was good, we were the better team for long periods.

“But we lose the ball in a bad area when the sub comes on and lets us down and they end up scoring.

“It is endemic the way the club has been, players drifting. I need to change it.

“I am encouraged by the performance but I like to win and we are losing too many games away from home.

“There is not a lot more as a manager you can do when you see us spurn four gilt edged chances. We should have been home and hosed. I don't remember Ipswich causing us too many problems but we only have ourselves to blame.

“I can take some responsibility but that's the best we have played away from home, especially with chances created.”

Lennon confirmed that Adam Le Fondre withdrew from the squad minutes before kick off with a stomach complaint.

“He was vomiting and had an upset stomach last night,” he said. “He said he felt better tonight and went out and warmed up. But he felt poorly. I wanted him on the bench but he didn't feel strong enough to do that."