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There is no doubt that lessons were learned by McKenna during Ipswich’s season in the Premier League, only his third full campaign as a head coach.
One charge which could perhaps have been levelled at him was that he showed too much loyalty to players who had served him well previously.
The starting 11 for the 2024-25 season opener against Liverpool at Portman Road, which they lost 2-0, contained six
West Brom’s punishment late on Friday transformed the complexion of game at The Hawthorns, with the hosts’ status in the second tier back under threat.
And their approach reflected the renewed importance of the fixture, with the Baggies dominating the first-half chances.
A swerving shot from Ousmane Diakite and Dike’s quick thinking, as he pounced on a moment of defensive hesitancy, saw Ipswich goalkeeper Walton tested twice in quick succession.
Ipswich had the worst away record of any side in the top 10 before kick-off but will be delighted with their first comeback win on the road this season.
It moves them back above Millwall, who slip to third place, with both sides level on points but the Tractor Boys boasting a far superior goal difference.
Perhaps more importantly, Ipswich still have a game in hand, which puts them in
Having seen Millwall move above them into second place with a draw at West Bromwich Albion on Friday night, Ipswich were once again left in the situation of having to chase the automatic promotion positions – but were handed the perfect early opportunity to do so.
Slimane caught Jack Taylor on his follow through as he cleared the ball out of his 18-yard area and, after a long pause, referee
Kasey McAteer scored his first Ipswich Town goal as the Tractor Boys came from behind to beat Birmingham City and climb to second in the Championship.
Birmingham felt they should have had at least a point, denied an equaliser when referee Adam Herczeg wrongly ruled the ball crossed the by-line before going in off Dara O’Shea.
Carlos Vicente opened the scoring for Birmingham, seconds after McAteer had missed a sitter,
Ipswich Town left it late to beat relegated Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough and move closer to the automatic promotion places.
Ivan Azon scored 12 minutes from time, before top scorer Jack Clarke wrapped up victory from the penalty spot with his 13th goal of the season three minutes later.
The win extended Ipswich’s unbeaten run to six games and moved the Tractor Boys up a place to third, within two
Ipswich brought their two Jacks – Taylor and Clarke – back into the starting line-up, but playmaker Marcelino Nunez was absent because of a knock, while Stoke made five changes, with the suspended Sorba Thomas and injured captain Ben Wilmot among 12 senior players unavailable.
The first clear chance of the game came the home side’s way as a quick break led to Jesurun Rak-Sakyi cutting the ball back to
Azor Matusiwa scored the winner as Ipswich Town climbed into third place in the Championship despite a stubborn display from fellow promotion hopefuls Hull City at Portman Road.
Ipswich dominated throughout but were kept at arm’s length by the well-organised and hardworking Tigers until Matusiwa broke through with 19 minutes remaining.
The midfielder smashed in a shot from long range that hit the underside of the crossbar on its way
Ipswich had defender Leif Davis back from illness as one of four changes to the side which won at leaders Coventry City in their previous game, while Oxford were without forward Nik Prelec because of a groin injury.
The match began following a minute’s applause for former Ipswich forward Robin Turner, who died recently, and the home side began positively with Sindre Walle Egeli firing an effort over the bar.
McKenna’s side have now won four of their past six games to move into the automatic promotion race after an inconsistent start to the season.
They were dealt a blow pre-match when influential left-back Leif Davis was ruled out through illness.
However, while stand-in Jacob Greaves had an excellent game in his absence it was another change from Boxing Day’s goalless draw at Millwall who stole the show.
Winger Clarke