Mick McCarthy has told Ipswich Town supporters to remain patient in the stands as his side look to change their attacking approach.

The Tractor Boys' push for automatic promotion from the Championship took another hit yesterday afternoon as they were edged out 1-0 at home to Reading.

Jamie Mackie's strike on 14 minutes proved to be the difference in East Anglia, despite Ipswich increasing the pressure as they searched for a breakthrough.

"We started well and had a couple of chances but we got caught out for their goal," McCarthy told the club's official website. "It was a good strike but I'm not sure he should have been scoring from there. We didn't close him down quickly enough. We had chances to have gone level and I fancied us to do that but they've got good players and they defended well.

"We didn't play that well, but we didn't play badly either. They scored and we didn't, that was the difference. We need to be patient though. I said that at half time. Yes play with a tempo, but be patient. If we have to go backwards to go forwards, then do so.

"I know the supporters have got a sight of the Premier League and can get frustrated if we do that but you have to deal with that. Teams are going to come here and look to make it difficult for us. Get people behind the ball. You have to be patient and move the ball around to create that chance."

Ipswich remain fourth in the league table, sitting three points off second-placed Middlesbrough.