Palmer emphasised that his team cannot control refereeing decisions. (Image: Steve Waller).

“It’s just how we try and sustain that pressure over 90 minutes, really.”

 

There were numerous decisions that went against Town, infuriating the home crowd. There were two VAR checks that yielded nothing, with numerous 50/50 calls going in favour of the visitors.

“We can’t get frustrated with it,” Palmer argued. “The referees and officials must do their own jobs. We were just trying to stay focused and defend.

“There are long periods of sustained pressure, with many corners and long throw-ins. If we become too frustrated, we may shut down and become overly involved in the frustration.

“It [VAR] is an integral part of the system, and I don’t believe it will disappear. Everyone needs to get used to it again.

“It’s hard with how long the checks are, but that’s why we’ve got to be professional, stay in the game and stay focused.”

He went on: “You can’t get away with anything anymore. It’s played a little bit, and it’s the same on both sides.

Kevin Schade’s header ended the Blues’ chances. (Image: Steve Waller).

“We knew their strengths and we worked on it in the weak, but unfortunately they got the better of us.”

The winning goal came from a corner that was repeatedly delayed, taking three attempts before Schade headed into the net.

In the midst of this, there was a VAR check and two yellow cards, and the on-field events confused those in the stands.

When asked if the players had received an explanation, Palmer responded, “Nothing has been said about it.” It is up to the officials and coaching staff to go through.

 

“As players, we still need to do our job and defend it better. That is what we will look into next week.

On the other hand, Town did exceptionally well in open play, limiting Brentford to very little. When the Bees discovered space in the box, Palmer stood tall to deny them.

“The lads had a really good defensive display in front of me,” he told me. “[Jacob] Greavesy had an excellent game.

“That’s the level we have. We’ve got lads coming in out of position, so it’s a real credit to them that they performed so well.”

The custodian was satisfied with Town’s defensive performance (Image: Steve Waller).

However, things need to be improved on the other end of the pitch. The Blues were too passive in front of goal until the last 10 minutes, when they sprung into action in search of an equaliser. By then, it was too late.

“I think that’s the thing,” Palmer reflected. “We want to try to maintain pressure for longer periods of time in the game, whether it’s in the first or second half, rather than just at the end when we’re ahead because they’re trying to sit deep and defend.”

“It’s tough. They’re a good team, which is why they’re up there, but we have to do our part.”

The visit of West Ham on the final day of the season will be Ipswich’s last chance to reward their fans with their first Premier League victory at Portman Road since the turn of the year.

With little left to play for, Palmer understands that it is a key goal for the team between now and the end of the season.

“That’s what we’re pushing for,” he explained. “For us, there have been a few occasions when we’ve made things difficult for ourselves, but in games like today, we could have gone on to get a point or even win.

“It’s obviously disappointing, but we’re learning and improving.” We have one more shot at it.”

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