Ipswich Town climbed to second in the Championship with a 2-1 victory over Oxford United at Portman Road, powered by first-half goals from Jaden Philogene and Chuba Akpom. The in-form Tractor Boys made it four successive home wins but were made to work hard by an Oxford side who briefly drew level through Will Lankshear.
The result, combined with Middlesbrough's defeat at Derby County, allowed Kieran McKenna's side to leapfrog their promotion rivals, while Oxford slipped to 23rd after suffering an eighth away loss of the campaign. In a contest full of incident, both teams passed up big chances, with Ipswich repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Jamie Cumming and Oxford wasting a gilt-edged opportunity to equalise after the break.
Tribute, Fast Start and Philogene's Clinical Finish
The afternoon began with a minute's applause in memory of former Ipswich forward Robin Turner, and the hosts quickly tried to honour him with an assertive start. Sindre Walle Egeli fired over early on after finding space around the edge of the area, and moments later his full-blooded challenge left Northern Ireland defender Ciaron Brown writhing in pain, although the Oxford man was eventually able to continue.