Joe Royle praised his players for their second-half showing at West Ham with Pablo Counago's goal giving Town a share of the points in a 1-1 draw.

Malky Mackay had given the Hammers a 10th minute lead but Pablo equalised early in the second-half and Darren Bent then smashed a shot against the bar with Blues on top.

"I would have taken a point before the game so we have to be satisfied with what we got," said Town boss Joe.

"Our display was a lot better in the second-half, we pressed the play more and once we drew level, I thought we would go on to win it.

"The penalty miss by Sheringham was crucial. It would have been hard to get back from two down at half-time but we have always got a goal in us.

"Pablo did well, his best display for us this season and there is more to come from him.

"We must defend better though and that means as a team. We were poor in that department in the first-half and our back four had too many players running at them."