Jack Clarke’s late equalizer for Ipswich led to a frenetic 2-2 draw, ending Southampton’s dreams of automatic promotion and ensuring the Premier League race continues until the final day.
Wes Barnes put Ipswich ahead in an explosive second half from St Mary’s, before Ryan Manning and Cyle Larin turned the game around for Saints.
Southampton knew they needed a win on the final day to move into second place, but a late goal from Clarke meant they were eliminated.
Ipswich now head into Saturday’s lunchtime final game with a one-point lead over Millwall and two points behind Middlesbrough. All matches will be broadcast live on Sky.
Millwall host Oxford United, who have already been relegated, while Middlesbrough travel to Wrexham, who need a result themselves to qualify for the play-offs.
Saints are in the play-offs and will face Preston on Saturday.
Last day promotion permutations
Ipswich will be promoted with a win. Millwall and Middlesbrough will be promoted even if they don’t win. If Millwall wins and Ipswich don’t, they will be promoted. If Millwall win and Ipswich lose, if Millwall don’t win, Middlesbrough will be promoted. If Ipswich draw, Middlesbrough will need to win and overcome a five-goal difference with Ipswich.
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A look back at the key matches on the final day of the Championship for the final automatic promotion spot.
Twists and turns at St Mary’s as Ipswich fight back to protect Saints
After a tense first half, the game quickly became more exciting in the second half.
Jacob Greaves took Tom Fellows in midfield and lifted the ball over the top, where Ivan Azon nodded in the box and Barnes slotted home past Daniel Peretz.
This advantage lasted only 10 minutes. Greaves faced a lunging challenge on Finn Azaz just outside the Town box, but from the free-kick Manning’s low shot deflected off Marcelino Nunez and into the roof of the net via the foot of the wrong-footed Walton.
Southampton knew that a win would be enough to keep them in the race for top two.
A moment of magic in the 80th minute turned the game in favor of the home team.
Manning moved forward and slipped a pass to Canadian international Larin, who calmly slotted inside Greaves and Leif Davies and poked the ball past Walton.
A four-way shootout was on the cards on the final day of promotion, but with three minutes left Clarke equalized for Ipswich with his 16th league goal of the season, slotting into the bottom right corner.
The winger twice came close to scoring a late winner, hitting the post and forcing Perez into a last-gasp save, but Darnell Furlong also narrowly missed his header, ending the breathless encounter perfectly square.
How was the goal decided?
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Wes Barnes scores the opening goal to put Ipswich ahead against Southampton
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Ryan Manning’s ‘lucky’ free kick level for Saints
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Cyle Larin leads Southampton to a 2-1 win over Ipswich Town
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Jack Clarke scores Ipswich’s equalizer in the 87th minute against St Mary’s
Eckert: Now is the critical moment…we have to prepare for the playoffs.
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Tonda Eckert says Saints side did everything in their power to beat Ipswich
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert told Sky Sports:
“We started the second half really well. We conceded goals in situations we shouldn’t have conceded, but then it just shows where we are as a team that we can get the game back in our direction.”
“Today we continued to push and compliment Ipswich as they were two teams who performed well against a very tough schedule.
“We wanted to win today, but overall it was a very good game. You could see the dedication and we did everything we could to win the game.
“It’s a critical moment, but we have a clear feeling and we need to prepare for the playoffs.”
McKenna: I really liked our performance.
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Kieran McKenna believes the 2-2 draw with Saints was one of Ipswich’s best performances this season
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna told Sky Sports.
“I think it was a great game. One of the best games of my time and of course I would put it high in the championship. I thought it was a great game. I loved our performance.”
“I think it’s a great sign of where we are as a group to be able to do that at this stage of the season and in this form.
“In terms of inches from the ball going into goal, we probably won’t end up getting any closer to promotion.
“But I really like where we are and I’m looking forward to Saturday night.”
“Roll on Saturday…I’m sure it will happen someday.”
Kevin Phillips talks about Sky Sports Football:
“Kieran McKenna would have taken it before the game, it was very difficult to prepare for Ipswich.
“Southampton knew they had to win, it was a very interesting game.
“Both teams played a good game and overall I think the draw was a fair result.
“As a neutral country, we wanted to hold it on the last day of the season. Roll it to Saturday, and it will happen at some point.”
