Jack Clarke’s late strike salvaged a point for Ipswich, ending Southampton’s hopes of clinching automatic promotion in a dramatic 2‑2 draw that pushes the Premier League promotion battle to the final matchday. The Saints entered the game knowing a win was essential to keep their push for second place alive, but Clarke’s equaliser in the dying minutes knocked them out of the direct promotion race, leaving Coventry to claim the runners‑up spot. Ipswich, who host Queens Park Rangers on the season’s last day, now sit one point ahead of Millwall and two clear of Middlesbrough as they head into Saturday’s lunchtime showdown, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Millwall travel to an already‑relegated Oxford United, while Middlesbrough face Wrexham, a side that also needs a result to secure a play‑off berth ahead of Hull City and Derby County. Southampton, having missed out on the top two, will still compete in the play‑offs and are set to meet Preston North End in their final fixture. The match began cautiously, with a tense first half that gave little away.
The second half, however, erupted into a flurry of action. After Jacob Greaves dispossessed Tom Fellows in midfield, he lofted the ball forward, allowing Ivan Azon to deliver a cross into the box. Burns met the ball with a powerful strike that sailed beyond goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, giving Ipswich an early lead. The advantage was short‑lived.
Ten minutes later Greaves received a booking for a robust challenge on Finn Azaz just outside the Ipswich penalty area. From the ensuing free‑kick, a low effort from Manning deflected off Marcelino Nunez and ricocheted off the leg of a mis‑positioned Walton, finding the roof of the net and restoring parity for Southampton. Southampton were acutely aware that only a victory would keep their top‑two aspirations alive.
In the 80th minute, a moment of brilliance swung momentum in their favour. Manning surged forward, sliding a precise pass to Canadian international Larin. Larin calmly navigated past Greaves and Leif Davis, then slotted the ball past Walton for a well‑taken lead. With the prospect of a four‑way promotion showdown looming, Ipswich responded with determination.
Three minutes from full‑time, Clarke, who has already netted 16 league goals this season, unleashed a powerful shot into the bottom right corner, drawing the sides level. The winger had already threatened a winner earlier, striking the post and later forcing a last‑ditch save from Peretz.
Darnell Furlong also came close, heading narrowly wide, as the match concluded in a thrilling stalemate. Post‑match, Southampton manager Tonka Eckert praised his side’s effort in a Sky Sports interview, saying, “We kept pushing and gave credit to Ipswich today. Both teams finished on a high after a very tough schedule.
I would have loved to win, but overall it was a very good game. You saw the dedication and we tried everything to win. It’s crunch time now, but we have clarity and we need to get ready for the play‑offs.” Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna echoed the sentiment, describing the encounter as “one of the best games I’ve seen in my time, certainly in the Championship.
It was a top‑class performance. To achieve that at this stage of the season, given our form, is a great sign for us as a group. We were inches away from promotion at the end, and I loved where we are now.
We look forward to Saturday.” Looking ahead, the final day promises a packed schedule of decisive fixtures across the league. Millwall travel to Oxford United, Middlesbrough head to Wrexham, and Ipswich will host QPR. Meanwhile, the play‑off picture is shaping up with Southampton set to face Preston, while other clubs such as Blackburn, Leicester City, Bristol City, Stoke City, Derby County, Sheffield United, Hull City, Norwich City, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, Swansea, Charlton, Watford, Coventry City, and Wrexham all have crucial matches that could determine their fate.
Fans can follow every game live on Sky Sports, download the Sky Sports app for on‑the‑go viewing, or watch through the NOW service. The league’s drama continues to captivate, with promotion, play‑off spots, and relegation battles all converging as the season draws to a close.
The excitement is palpable, and the final Saturday fixtures will likely decide which clubs ascend to the Premier League, which will battle in the play‑offs, and which will face the disappointment of missing out on promotion altogether.