Mick McCarthy had no complaints over the result as a slick Watford left Portman Road with all three points. 

Goals from Ikechi Anya and Nathaniel Chalobah gave the Hornets a 2-0 win to keep Gianfranco Zola’s side in contention for automatic promotion. 

“They are a good side, the best I have seen this season,” the Town boss told the Club website.

“Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say they were better and they were. 

“They are very dangerous on the break but we dug in there after the first goal but never really got going. We rallied just before the break and there was a stonewall penalty for us and you need those decisions to go your way. 

“We have picked up 31 points since the start of November though and the players have been fantastic but on the night we were beaten by the better side.”

Richard Stearman sustained a dislocated finger during the game but Mick added: “He’s a tough lad. He’s had it strapped up. He broke his wrist when we were at Wolves and wanted to play on, he will be okay for the weekend.”