"I was disappointed that one or two of the lads slackened off after we had scored our third goal, but I think 3-0 flattered Preston - perhaps I am being a bit miserly after we played so well and scored three times."
However Royle admits not everything was positive on the day: "The black mark was that we had picked up two more injuries. Fabian Wilnis has a strained hamstring with no chance of playing against Sheffield United on Tuesday.
"And Tommy Miller took a heavy blow on his calf which is still very sore. Two injuries at present is almost a crisis."
Royle also had special praise for Town striker Shefki Kuqi: "Our front pair blended well together. Shefki's goal brought him confidence while Darren's strike was excellent.
"Shefki always gives 90 minutes of hard graft. He works for the team and is very popular with the other players. It is grand to see him doing so well."
Meanwhile Preston North End boss Billy Davies was not too impressed with the standard of officials at the game: "It was a major disappointment when a crucial decision went against us.
"Kuqi handled before he scored. I've seen it on the video. It was an appalling decision. I let the referee and his assistant know how I felt about it. All you ask of a referee is to be fair and strong.
"We created early chances but missed them. We tried to defend well and do that right things but that hand ball was a blow to us.
"The second Ipswich goal was down to bad defending on our part but the third, against the run of play, was a wonderful strike from a very good player.
"We had only 16 fit players so I tried to shuffle things with one or two out of position. We tried to be positive but an important decision changed the face of the game."