Ipswich Town rescue late 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough to go second
Jack Clarke scored a controversial late penalty as Ipswich Town rescued a 2-2 draw against promotion rivals Middlesbrough at Portman Road to return to the Championship’s automatic promotion places.
Kieran McKenna’s side came into the crucial Sunday clash having dropped out of the top two following Millwall’s victory the previous afternoon.
However, the hard-fought point ensures the Suffolk outfit reclaim second spot on goal difference with four games remaining and a vital match in hand.
Conway strike threatens Ipswich
The visitors initially looked set to draw level on points with their hosts when Tommy Conway tapped home from close range in the 64th minute.
That second-half strike restored the lead for the Teessiders, after David Strelec’s early opener was swiftly cancelled out by an equaliser from Kasey McAteer.
But the definitive moment of the match arrived with just three minutes of normal time remaining when George Hirst went down inside the penalty area under minimal contact from Adilson Malanda.
Penalty drama sparks debate
Referee Jarred Gillett immediately pointed to the spot, allowing Clarke to confidently dispatch the ball and snatch a priceless point.
The awarded spot-kick sparked immediate debate, though the fouled striker remained adamant about the validity of the decision.
“I don’t think that’s the point, whether I’m getting there or not, you can’t pull me back. It’s a silly mistake. It’s a penalty.”
George Hirst
Play-offs beckon for winless visitors
The late heartbreak means Kim Hellberg’s men see their hopes of securing automatic promotion rapidly fading in the final weeks of the campaign.
Squandering two crucial points extends the North Yorkshire club’s winless streak to seven consecutive matches, representing a damaging run at the most pivotal point of the season.
They remain entrenched in fifth place but boast a six-point cushion over seventh-placed Wrexham as they turn their attention towards consolidating a play-off berth.
