Ipswich Town reclaimed second place in the Championship after hanging on for a goalless draw at The Hawthorns against a West Bromwich Albion side that secured safety for the second time in four days. On an afternoon shaped by off-field drama and a bobbly, sun-baked pitch, neither side could find a winner, yet both left with something genuinely worth savouring.
West Brom had been docked two points on Friday for spending breaches, a punishment that meant they needed at least one point to stay up after a midweek win against Watford had previously appeared to get them over the line. The draw confirmed the Baggies cannot be caught, while Ipswich moved back above Millwall on goal difference to take up residence in the automatic promotion places once more.
A points deduction that reshaped the stakes
West Brom's punishment late on Friday transformed the complexion of the game, with the hosts' status in the second tier suddenly back under threat. Their approach reflected the renewed importance of the fixture, and the Baggies dominated the first-half chances as they sought the victory that would have removed any lingering doubt.