IRATE Ipswich boss Joe Royle lay the blame for his side's heavy defeat squarely with his leaky defence.

Royle said: "Life is never dull with us and if you like goals, don't back us for 0-0. Our attitude to defending was not right and it's borne out in our statistics.

"I think we have been involved in about 110 goals this season. We are the highest goalscorers in the division and we will be the second or third leakiest defence, so there you have it.

"It was an abysmal first half where we simply weren't there. In the second half, at 3-2, we have had three chances to equalise and their fourth goal is academic because we had so many men forward chasing that equaliser.

"But you can't give sides a two goal start as we did. It was poor marking - a luxury we don't seem to enjoy - and we were just lead-legged all over the park in the first half.

"There are mitigating circumstances and six hours on a coach doesn't help, but Burnley had that when they came to our place so that's not a reason; it's just an aside.

"We gave it a right good go, but we were always just behind because of that first half."

Royle added: "I'm pleased for Stan (Ternent) because he was due a result like that against me. You have to give credit to players like (Robbie) Blake and (Glen) Little, who are outstanding at this level and would get in most teams in this division.

"They are a decent side; far better than their position and they won't be in trouble."