Ipswich gave their hopes of automatic promotion a major lift on Saturday with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Norwich at Carrow Road, while Coventry were forced to wait another day to secure a key result after drawing 0-0 at home against Sheffield Wednesday.
The outcome moved Ipswich into the top two and left them with at least a game in hand on their nearest rivals. It also completed a long overdue double over their East Anglian neighbours.
Controversial penalty opens the way
The match swung in Ipswich’s favour in the first half when Jaden Philogene converted what was described as a harsh penalty. That controversial decision gave the visitors the breakthrough they needed in a tense derby atmosphere.
George Hirst later added a second goal to secure the points and settle a contest that had remained closely fought for long periods. The result capped a valuable afternoon for Ipswich, who are pushing hard for a place in the automatic promotion spots.
Coventry made to wait
At the other end of the table, Sheffield Wednesday earned a 0-0 draw at Coventry in a result that frustrated the leaders. Coventry were unable to find a way through and had to settle for a point on home soil.
The draw means Coventry must wait for another day to complete their own business, even as they continue to set the pace at the top of the division. Wednesday, meanwhile, claimed a useful point away from home in their battle to avoid finishing bottom.
The day’s results added another twist to a competitive Championship campaign, with Ipswich strengthening their claim on second place and Coventry left still searching for the win that would have underlined their position at the summit.
