West Bromwich Albion clinched their second consecutive confirmation of staying in the Sky Bet Championship after they managed to hold promotion‑chasing Ipswich Town to a goalless stalemate at The Hawthorns on Saturday. The draw came just days after the club was handed a two‑point penalty for violating the league’s Profitability and Sustainability Regulations, a sanction that left them theoretically exposed to relegation with only two fixtures remaining in the campaign. Despite the deduction, the single point earned at home meant the Baggies could no longer be overtaken, sealing Oxford United's drop and confirming Charlton Athletic’s own safety after they beat Hull City earlier in the day. For Ipswich, the result propelled them back into second place, setting up a crucial showdown with fellow top‑two hopeful Southampton on Tuesday evening.
The match’s first genuine chance fell to West Brom midfielder Ousmane Diakite, who unleashed a speculative shot from about 25 yards. Ipswich keeper Christian Walton had to make two attempts before finally deflecting the effort. Within five minutes a miscommunication between former Baggies defender Cedric Kipre and Walton gave striker Daryl Dike a fleeting opportunity, but the Ipswich shot was saved with a swift leg block. Another former Albion player, Darnell Furlong, caused a brief moment of anxiety for his old club when his low drive from the edge of the box struck teammate Ivan Azon, who then sent the ball wide of the far post.
The Tractor Boys missed what could have been their best opening of the first half when Jacob Greaves delivered a deep cross to Kasey McAteer on the far side of the penalty area. McAteer’s touch was imperfect, allowing the ball to fall to Azon, whose subsequent effort from inside the six‑yard box sailed over the crossbar. West Brom came close to taking the lead on the stroke of half‑time. A right‑wing delivery from Danny Imray curled into the path of Aune Heggebo, who turned and struck just wide of the far post.
Shortly after, Alex Mowatt combined with Dike in a quick one‑two at the edge of the box, prompting Walton to dive away from a low drive. The second half began with Ipswich pressing higher.
Jayson Molumby and Imray linked up down the right flank, delivering a low ball that Dike curled toward goal, only for Walton to produce a spectacular save. Furlong’s long throw was flicked on by Greaves, but Jack Clarke, finding himself with time and space at the back post, completely missed the chance, leaving the visitors empty‑handed.
As the second half progressed, Ipswich began to dominate possession and create more clear‑cut chances. With roughly 20 minutes left, Max O'Leary spilled a bending strike from substitute Jaden Philogene.
Kipre pounced on the rebound and headed it home, but the goal was disallowed for offside, denying the visitors a late winner. Kieran McKenna, Ipswich’s manager, responded by introducing Wes Burns and George Hirst from the bench, hoping to inject fresh urgency and finally break the deadlock. However, West Brom’s defensive resolve held firm, and the Baggies secured the point they needed for survival. After the final whistle, West Brom captain James Morrison reflected on the ordeal: "We had a cloud hanging over us, and it finally lifted.
We knew exactly where we stood after the points deduction, but we kept our focus on the football. The lads were in a good headspace, so we just kept pushing. It helped us because we knew what we had to do. I spoke to the players at dinner on the training ground, but they made it clear they understood the task.
Around the 70‑minute mark I could feel the momentum shift. The substitutes brought fresh energy, and my staff reminded me that a single point was all we needed. The players left everything on the pitch.
I want to stay unbeaten, and the lads feel the same. We'll have a day off tomorrow and Monday, then come back ready to finish the season strong. We'll reflect at the end, work hard to get things right, and I’ll stay with the group until the season’s end. I’m looking forward to a nice beer tonight." Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna praised his side’s resilience: "It was a hard‑earned point.
The game was tough for many reasons, and it showed. The first half was difficult; they had more momentum and energy.
We had to withstand pressure and getting to half‑time 0‑0 was crucial. We haven’t been strong enough away from home this season. There were moments of real resilience. Christian Walton made a vital save, and we moved the ball better in the second half, pressing earlier to win it back quicker.
In the last half‑hour we were the team pushing for a win. Whether it’s a good point I’ll know next weekend. This league is brutal. West Brom are a good side – they’re on a ten‑game unbeaten run with seven clean sheets.
The conditions weren’t ideal; the pitch was bumpy and the heat made it difficult to play attractive football. A point on a day like today is something we can build on." The match also featured promotional elements, with a £250,000 prize up for grabs via the Super 6 competition, free to enter until 3 pm on Saturday. The draw ensured West Brom’s safety, while Ipswich kept their promotion hopes alive, setting the stage for a decisive clash with Southampton as the season nears its climax.