Key Takeaways
- Jack Clarke scored a late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw for Ipswich Town against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.
- The result ends Southampton’s hopes of automatic promotion and confirms they will compete in the Championship play-offs.
- Ipswich head into the final day holding a one-point advantage in the battle for the second automatic promotion spot.
Jack Clarke struck a dramatic goal in the closing minutes to earn Ipswich Town a vital point on the south coast. His finish forced a 2-2 draw against Southampton in front of 31,180 fans. The result ends the Saints’ hopes of finishing in the top two and sends them into the play-offs.
The second half delivered four goals and plenty of tension. Wes Burns put the visitors ahead first. He scored after Ivan Azon won a header in the box following a mistake in midfield.
Southampton found an equaliser ten minutes later. Ryan Manning took a free-kick from just outside the area. His low shot took a deflection off Marcelino Nunez and flew past Christian Walton into the net.
The home side pushed for a winner. In the 80th minute, Cyle Larin gave them the lead. The Canadian striker received a pass from Manning, stepped past two defenders, and calmly placed his shot beyond the goalkeeper.
Just when Southampton looked set to claim victory, Clarke intervened. The winger fired his 16th league goal of the season into the bottom corner with three minutes left on the clock.
Both teams could have won the match in the dying moments. Clarke struck the post and later forced a fine save from Daniel Peretz. Darnell Furlong also went close with a header for Ipswich.
The draw leaves Ipswich in second place in the table. They sit one point ahead of Millwall and two points clear of Middlesbrough. The final matches take place on Saturday. Millwall host already-relegated Oxford United. Middlesbrough travel to Wrexham, who need a result to secure a play-off place themselves.
Southampton will now prepare for the play-offs. They face Preston North End in their final league fixture this weekend.
The Southampton boss told Sky Sports:
“We started the second half with good energy. We conceded a poor goal, but the team showed great spirit to come back. We tried everything to win. Now we must focus on the play-offs.”
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna also spoke to Sky Sports:
“This was one of the best matches I have seen in the Championship. The quality from both sides was top level. We showed tremendous character to get a result here. We now look forward to Saturday.”
Pundit Kevin Phillips added:
“This was a fair result between two excellent teams. Taking the promotion race to the final day is brilliant for neutrals. Saturday will be a thrilling conclusion to the season.”