Ipswich Town takes closer step to Premier League promotion following victory over Coventry City

Ipswich Town won 2-1 against Coventry City to move closer to promotion to the Premier League.

Kieffer Moore’s early goal was cancelled out by Haji Wright in the second half, as Coventry appeared to have the momentum at the CBS Arena.

However, Cameron Burgess’ second goal of the season almost immediately put Ipswich back in front, and Kieran McKenna’s side held on for the rest of the game, leaving the Tractor Boys only one point away from a return to the top flight.

If Ipswich win at least a draw at Huddersfield Town on Saturday, they will end a 22-year absence from the Premier League, but Leeds United must defeat Southampton to force Ipswich to avoid losing to the Championship’s 23rd-placed team.

Moore gives Ipswich early advantage

Ipswich needed only eight minutes to take the lead, thanks to a fantastic goal. Wes Burns was freed down the right side of the penalty area and found Moore, who was waiting at the penalty spot to blast the ball into the net.

"The moment that Leeds United feared!" 😧

Kieffer Moore gives Ipswich an early lead! 💥 pic.twitter.com/xf0BhhVewe

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 30, 2024

Moore scored his first Championship goal in nearly two months, calming the concerns of his team, who was mostly focused on remaining tight following that start.

Despite having lots of possession, Coventry’s finest effort in the first half-hour was Ben Sheaf’s long-range strike that went just off target.

Wright will wonder how he didn’t up the Sky Blues’ level shortly after. The US international’s close-range shot appeared to be heading into the net until Vaclav Hladky made an incredible finger-tip save.

Coventry remained in control, although Ipswich should have doubled their lead just before the break. Nathan Broadhead was found at the back post with a wonderful cross, but Brad Collins saved the Wales international’s header at the near post.

Ipswich show ambition, rather than defending lead

Soon after the restart, Josh Eccles hammered a shot into the side netting as Coventry attempted to regain control, but Ipswich remained a threat on the other end.

A weak pass from Coventry goalkeeper Collins found Broadhead, who waited and refused to pass to one of many available teammates before looping an effort against the crossbar, the ball rebounding clear.

Game on! 🤝

Haji Wright levels the scoring! ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/bmKxC1JKvK

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 30, 2024

However, in the 64th minute, the home team equalised. After skillfully racing off the centre-back, Wright collected the ball and tried his luck from the edge of the area, forcing the ball under Hladky’s body and into the center of the net.

Coventry almost gave Ipswich a second goal right immediately, with a pass reaching Jeremy Sarmiento on the edge of the area, but Collins saved his team by pushing the well-struck effort away from goal.

Sarmiento then set up George Hirst, who was stopped by the advancing Collins, while the Tractor Boys regained momentum and ultimately retook the lead, Burgess pushing the ball home at the near post following a brief skirmish for control.

Throughout the last quarter, clear-cut chances dried up, which suited Ipswich as they sought to secure a long-awaited return to the top flight.

Due to a referee injury earlier in the second half, 11 minutes were added, with Coventry nearly tying the game deep into that period when 17-year-old Aidan Dansch curled a shot barely wide of the far post.

Although the game was delayed beyond 101 minutes, the referee eventually signaled for full time, causing euphoria in the away end as they realized Premier League football would soon return to Portman Road.