Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has said that referee Scott Mathieson should be "lauded" for his performance with the whistle today as the Blues played out a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest.

McCarthy was referring in particular to Mathieson's decision to not award a penalty in the first half when Simon Cox fell under challenge from Ipswich keeper Dean Gerken.

"That was spot on. He was on his way down, Gerks didn't touch him. Lots would have given the penalty but the referee got it right. It wasn't one. The lad was offside as well so all in all, it was the right decision," McCarthy told the Ipswich website.

"Referees get pelters when they get it wrong so he should be lauded for getting that decision right."

A point saw Ipswich remain in the hunt for the playoffs. They are now four unbeaten and three points off the top six in 10th place.