Ipswich Town rescued a 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough with three minutes to go when Jack Clarke converted a controversial penalty, a late twist that may carry major weight in the Championship promotion race. Middlesbrough had looked set for a significant away win after Tommy Conway put them 2-1 ahead in the second half, following David Strelec's opener for Ipswich and Kasey McAteer's equaliser for the visitors.
The result moved Kieran McKenna's side back into the top two on goal difference after they had started the day outside the automatic promotion places following Millwall's win over QPR. For Middlesbrough, the draw felt far more damaging, extending their winless run to seven games and leaving their hopes of catching second place looking increasingly remote, especially after a penalty decision that dominated the post-match reaction.
Ipswich's Bright Opening Brought Reward but Not Control
Ipswich made the stronger opening case in a match loaded with consequences at both ends of the promotion picture. McKenna said his side were the better team in the first half, and Strelec's goal reflected a spell in which Ipswich looked the more assertive and dangerous side.