Cheltenham Town 1-1 Ipswich Town: Kieran McKenna's verdict

The Blues' lengthy clean sheet run (nine) and win streak (eight) both came to an end as Alfie May's 84th minute goal cancelled out Conor Chaplin's 64th minute opener.

Failing to see out the victory means Ipswich finish the Easter weekend third in League One rather than top, though automatic promotion is still in their hands given Sheffield Wednesday have played a game more.

"We always thought it was going to be a tough game and the conditions made it even harder," said McKenna, referring to a wind-affected match in the open Whaddon Road stadium.

Kyle Edwards reacts to a missed opportunity at Cheltenham (Image: Pagepix Ltd)

"I thought we did some good things. We were going against the really strong wind in the first half but we still managed to create enough chances.

"We had a few tight moments at the back, but in general we were pretty happy getting to half-time at nil-nil knowing we would have more of the ascendency in the second half.

"We got the goal, could have had one or two more and, as we know, if you don't get the second goal then things can happen.

"We've been very, very good at seeing out games, we've given up so few chances, but today a high ball into a stiff wind caught the players out and it's a bad break for us. That's how it goes.

"This is why it's such a difficult league. It's not easy because the challenges are so varied. As I said before the game, people think going to Bolton and Derby are more difficult games than this one, but this challenge was just as big.

"Certainly today when the wind was strong strong in such an open stadium."

On Chaplin's opener, which came following a long throw from Harry Clarke, McKenna said: "I think there would have been some nice irony had we have beaten Cheltenham with a long throw given their history of having good long throwers here. 

"It's a good weapon to have. Leif (Davis), Clarkey and JD (Janoi Donacien) are all really goood throwers of the ball. 

"It's such a narrow pitch here and it's not so hard to reach the dangerous areas. It's another nice weapon to have."

On Cheltenham's leveller, which came after keeper Christian Walton dropped a high ball, McKenna said: "I've not spoken to him abiut it yet. I've not seen the contact yet to see if it was a free-kick yet or not.

"It's pretty clear what happened. He's been so good dominating his box for us they stood one up in the box that normally would have flowed through to him, but it caught the gust, hung up and it made it hard for him to come through as he wanted.

"He's done terrific for us, as the whole team have done defensively. We just have to take that one and move on."

Marcus Harness fired wide from a golden position inside the box during the first half and was then replaced by Kyle Edwards at the break. 

"I have to say I thought the whole front four, Marcus included, did a really good job in the first half," said McKenna.

"It was really difficult receiving goals in the air with centre-halves coming through the back of them. 

"We knew second half we would pin them in and that there would be more opportunities to run with the ball downwind and downhill at this stadium.

"It was just a perfect half for Kyle to come on and show what he can do. I thought he had a good impact.

"Look, Marcus has started lots of games this season, had lots and lots of appearances, been an important player for us and always contributes.

"He scored frequently at the start of the season and he hasn't scored so many since coming back from a big injury. But he always gives us something."

Reflecting further on the draw, McKenna said: "We've been on a really good run, but we were never going to win every game until the end of the season. The difficulty of the league and difficulty of football pretty much dictates that.

"It's how you react when you don't win that's so important over the course of a season.

"It's another point. Hopefully every point matters at the end of the season. Let's see.

"There were some good things in the performance. We've created much more chances than the opposition, had much more of the game. If keep doing that then we'll see what we get in the end.

"It's the quickest turnaround of the season and we're playing in these conditions against a team with good home form. It might end up being a good point. You don't know.

"A draw is always better than a defeat, that's for sure. It keeps an unbeaten run going and keeps some momentum going into the Charlton game (at home on Saturday)."

"The players are pretty good in there. They know we now have two home games we can go and attack (Port Vale at home next Tuesday).

"We've just got to keep attacking each challenge as it comes and enjoy where we are."

On the absence on Nathan Broadhead from the squad, McKenna explained: "It was his ankle. He wasn't ready for this game and we'll have to see how he is over the next few days.

"I've not had a full report today. He's obviously had a really good impact, but we've got a good squad and lots of players ready to contribute."

On Davis being taken off towards the end, he said: "He was struggling with a few issues in the second half - a mixture of fatigue and few little niggles. We had to get him off."