Jack Clarke’s stoppage-time strike earned Ipswich a 2-2 draw at Southampton, denying the hosts a vital victory and pushing the race for the second automatic promotion spot to the final day.
Southampton went into the match knowing a win was necessary to keep their automatic hopes alive, but Clarke’s 87th-minute finish cancelled out Cyle Larin’s 80th-minute effort. The point leaves Ipswich one ahead of Millwall and two clear of Middlesbrough ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime kick-offs. Ipswich now host QPR on the last day; Millwall face already-relegated Oxford United and Middlesbrough travel to Wrexham.
Key final-day fixtures (12.30pm): Millwall vs Oxford; Ipswich vs QPR; Wrexham vs Middlesbrough.
Final-day permutations
– Ipswich will secure the runners-up spot if they beat QPR. They will also be promoted if they do not win provided both Millwall and Middlesbrough fail to win.
– Millwall will finish second if they win and Ipswich fail to beat QPR.
– Middlesbrough can go up only if they win, Ipswich lose and Millwall do not win. If Ipswich draw, Middlesbrough would additionally need to overturn a five-goal goal-difference gap.
Match summary
A cagey first half at St Mary’s gave way to a much livelier second period. The opening goal came when Jacob Greaves robbed Tom Fellows and played a measured ball through; Ivan Azon nodded across and Wes Burns tucked the finish beyond Daniel Peretz to put Ipswich ahead.
Southampton responded when Greaves was booked for a foul on Finn Azaz. From the free-kick Ryan Manning’s low delivery took a deflection off Marcelino Nunez and looped over the stranded Walton to level the contest.
With time running out for an all-important win, Saints grew into the game. In the 80th minute Manning drove forward and slipped a pass to Canada international Cyle Larin, who cut inside and finished past Walton to make it 2-1.
Three minutes from time Clarke produced the late turn of events, drilling his 16th league goal into the bottom-right corner to restore parity at 2-2. He then struck the post and forced a late save from Peretz as both sides pushed for a winner; Darnell Furlong also headed narrowly wide before the match finished all square.
Managers
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert reflected that his side kept pressing and paid Ipswich compliments for their performance, saying he would have liked the victory but that the result gives clarity as they prepare for the play-offs. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna described the match as outstanding and one of the best he has seen in the Championship, praising his team’s performance late in the season and expressing optimism ahead of Saturday’s decider.
Final day fixtures in the Championship (all 12.30pm)
Blackburn vs Leicester City
Bristol City vs Stoke City
Derby County vs Sheffield United
Hull City vs Norwich City
Ipswich vs QPR
Millwall vs Oxford United
Portsmouth vs Birmingham
Preston vs Southampton
Sheffield Wednesday vs West Brom
Swansea vs Charlton
Watford vs Coventry City
Wrexham vs Middlesbrough