Page 16 - Dan Harding News Today

Town fell to a controversial 2-0 defeat at home to Southend. Mark Gower put his side ahead with the Blues appealing for an offside and still protesting the lack of an earlier penalty award, then Peter Clarke added another from a set piece. Late on Lee was sent off for handling the ball into the net.

Striker Jon Walters is again a doubt due to his hamstring injury as the Blues look for their third win in succession when Southend visit Portman Road on Saturday. Gavin Williams and Richard Naylor are not quite ready for inclusion in the squad, but Fabian Wilnis returns.

Mick McCarthy says its no surprise to him that Nottingham Forest, who the Blues face at the City Ground this evening, are currently eighth in the Championship (KO 7.45pm). Skipper Carlos Edwards is a doubt with a groin problem suffered in the 1-0 victory over Leicester on Saturday, while striker David McGoldrick is unavailable against his parent club.

Towns two-match away winning run came to an end as Liam Lawrences fine 25-yard strike gave Stoke a 1-0 victory at the Britannia Stadium. The Blues were the better side before the break but fell away in a second half in which Jim Magilton was sent to the stand.

Jim Magilton will be looking to win three away games in a row for the first time as manager when the Blues travel to top-of-the-table Stoke City on Saturday afternoon. Magilton has a full squad from which to pick his side and may name the same eleven for the third successive game.

Town fell to their fourth successive defeat as Stephen Wards first half goal was enough see Wolves take three points away from Portman Road. The Blues enjoyed spells of domination but Owen Garvans header off the cross bar was as near as the home side would come to a goal.

Town boss Jim Magilton has four players back in consideration for the visit of Wolves on Tuesday evening (KO 7.45pm). Owen Garvan and Alan Lee return from suspensions, while Jason De Vos should be back from injury and Jon Walters is available having been cup-tied for the Watford match.

Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert was speaking after collecting her DBE from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.

Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert was speaking after collecting her DBE from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.

Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert was speaking after collecting her DBE from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.