Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has admitted that his side's poor defending for Middlesbrough's first goal was crucial as the visitors recorded a 2-0 win in the Championship.
Goals from Cristhian Stuani and David Nugent secured victory for the North-East side, who moved to the top of the standings, but McCarthy feels that the Tractor Boys gifted their opponents the initiative.
The 56-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "We shaded it slightly and I said at half time it would be whoever blinked first or let their guard down.
"We didn't defend the far post for the first goal and when that goes in, it changes the game.
"They are a very good side and will be competing for a top-two place at the end of the season.
The defeat was Ipswich's first in seven league outings.
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