Ipswich boss Roy Keane admits his side had to work hard in the Tractor Boys' 2-1 victory over Sheffield United. Ipswich certainly rode their luck at times after the interval though as the hosts dominated for large spells and Kyle Bartley's magnificent 30-yard strike was tipped on to the post by Ipswich goalkeeper Martin Fulop.

Keane said "It's a pity we couldn't build on our good start. The first goal is always vital in any game but (our start) was a bit better.

"It was a tough game, a really tough game. They put us under a lot of pressure but we managed to hold on and grind out a result without being spectacular - but you have to take that away from home.

"There were opportunities for us to be a bit more clinical and finish the game off but credit to Sheffield United as they put us under a lot of pressure.

"I think we rode our luck a little bit today but we all need that in football.

"With Sheffield United having suffered a couple of defeats, sometimes you just don't get the run of the ball and sometimes football can be so frustrating.

"We gave away one or two half-chances where we gave the ball away cheaply but the back four were under a lot of pressure and they did a decent job but that is what they are paid to do.

Ipswich moved into play-off places following the win and Keane added: "We knew it was an important game today.

"A week or two ago, everyone was panicking when we'd lost two or three on the spin but it's important that you don't panic and you don't get carried away.

"On another day, I think we could have lost today's game although I think if you come to clubs - particularly Sheffield United - you can never relax.

"Their players never stopped going so credit to them for that but as I said it was a hard earned three points."