Jack Clarke scored a late equaliser at the Ipswich Town Southampton draw game, leaving the race for automatic promotion open until the final round of Championship matches this weekend.
The point means that the Tractor Boys can no longer be caught by Saints but Tonda Eckert‘s team secure their spot in the play-offs.
Wes Burns gave the visitors the lead in the second half as a poked pass made its way through to the winger who took a touch before slamming the ball home.
Saints levelled as a Ryan Manning free-kick flew into the net via a deflection.
Cyle Larin then scored with 10 minutes to go before substitute Jack Clarke produced a crucial equaliser for Kieran McKenna’s side as he sent a volley into the bottom corner.
Clarke had a great chance to win the game in injury time, and all-but confirm Ipswich’s return to the top flight due to their superior goal difference, but his strike – that looked destined for the top corner – forced a world class save out of Saints keeper Daniel Peretz.
Heading into the weekend’s round of final Championship games both Middlesbrough and Millwall still have a chance of catching Ipswich.
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Boro are within two points of second while the Lions are one point away and for either to have a chance of automatic promotion, the Tractor Boys would have to at least drop points in their final match against QPR at Portman Road.
Millwall host already-relegated Oxford at The Den while Middlesbrough travel to Wrexham, who are in a three-way tussle with Hull City and Derby County for the final play-off spot.
-Ipswich Town-Southampton game report adapted from BBC Sport
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