Ipswich Claim Victory Over Norwich After 20 Years, Regain Second Spot

Ipswich significantly boosted their chances of automatic promotion from the Championship with a hard-won 2-0 victory over Norwich at Carrow Road. The team moved into the top two, with two games in hand over third-placed Millwall, thanks to first-half goals from Jaden Philogene, who scored a disputed penalty, and George Hirst, completing a long-awaited double over their East Anglian rivals. Despite having more possession, Norwich struggled to break down the visitors' impressive defense, which limited clear-cut chances. The defeat ended Norwich's slim playoff hopes, although a top-10 finish remains a notable achievement for a team that was in the bottom three at the start of the year. Ipswich took the lead after just 11 minutes when Anis Ben Slimane inadvertently caught Jack Taylor, resulting in a penalty that Philogene converted. Norwich gradually gained momentum but struggled to create clear opportunities, with Pelle Mattsson's powerful shot being a rare threat. The visitors doubled their lead just before the break when Darnell Furlong's long throw was flicked on and Hirst volleyed home. Norwich made attacking substitutions at halftime but were unable to capitalize, with Ipswich's defense holding firm to secure the win.