We had enough opportunities to win, says Gills number 4.
Gills midfielder Stuart O’Keefe said although the team were disappointed not to beat Ipswich on Boxing Day, there were enough positives within the performance to be pleased about.
The visitors were the better side for much of the game at Portman Road, but had to settle for a point in a 0-0 draw despite having the better chances. Some last ditch defending from the Ipswich defence denied both Max Ehmer and Tommy O’Connor in the second half.
Speaking after the game Stuart, who had a spell with the Ipswich academy earlier in his career, said: “I think the overall feeling in the dressing room is a bit of disappointment. We started the game exceptionally well and had numerous chances and could have gone two up. It didn’t fall for us in the second half, but it’s a point at Ipswich and not many teams will come here and dominate like that.
“When you come to Ipswich you can’t afford to sit off because they have good players and they will hurt you. Everyone had to put everything into it.
“With the way we are playing and the way the two boys up top threatened I think it was an opportunity to take all three points; the boys played their socks off but we will now move on and recover right for Rochdale.”
Stuart, formerly of Crystal Palace and Cardiff, says it is vital that the Gills remain consistent and continue to build on their momentum which has seen them go unbeaten in their last five outings.
He said: “At this level there are scores that you don’t expect so consistency is a big thing to have. Yes, we are disappointed not to win but it’s a great point for us as long as we win Sunday.
“We know what we are good at and we are becoming a hard team to play against.
“Every game will require the same effort, energy, preparation and professionalism. We need to do it right and take nothing for granted.”