It is not FA cup, but the advancement of Ipswich Town are alike
Will Keane’s goal in second-half stoppage time was enough to give Ipswich a 1-1 draw to Stoke City on Saturday that saw the Tractor Boys into the relegation battles against Wigan Athletic and Reading in under the wire just before the last ten matches.
Both sides had limited chances in an even opening period that belied the fact that Stoke is in bottom half of Championship and Ipswich 24th in the bottom-of-the-table following a 5-match winless run with a single point.
Potter winger James McClean ended his goal drought at Portman Road as new signing Sam Vokes went close for Nathan Jones’s side, which needed a mistake from backpass to take the lead in first-half.
But Alan Judge had created a good chance for Ipswich, the Suffolk outfit, after Keane headed home in the opening minute of additional time at the end of the second half.
Speaking of having just a marginal difference, match day 33’s games between the promotion hopefuls could be a strategic planning problem. With Leeds United, Birmingham and Hull not in action, a win for Norwich City is their time to regain the top of the table.
Stiepermann set up Teemu Pukki to score early and add one themselves with midfielder Buendia also on target as Norwich City’s hitman surged 23 goals clear in Championship scoring chart with a 4-0 win over lowly Bolton Wanderers.
Their promotion rival, Sheffield United coach Chris Wilder was taking his chances, against a side sitting just above the drop zone, ahead of next week’s match at the Hawthorns.
Cardiff loanee Gary Madine returned to the front line alongside full debutant Aston Villa loanee Scott Hogan with first choice striker pair Billy Sharp and David McGoldrick back to bench. Sheffield United are building towards next two week’s games in West Midlands and a Sheffield’s Steel City derby clash against Sheffield Wednesday in Hillsborough on March 4. A thrashing 4-0 win at home is enough to move them above Leeds United in the 2nd place.
Dwight Gayle who handed by two-match ban for successful deception of a match official was replaced by Robson-Kanu with the game against in-form Sheffield United in mind. He returned to the lineup with a goal after sustaining injury in FA cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion. Just before the added stoppage time of the first half, Jay Rodriguez added his 17th goal to notch up WBA’s nine away wins this season.
Sheffield Wednesday’s new signings Dominic Iorfa scored dramatically on his debut at the last gasp to earn a point in 2-2 draw in New York Stadium. The former Wolves defender only came off the bench in the first opening minute of added stoppage time in second-half. The Owls remain undefeated in four games successively under Steve Bruce.
Preston North End showed their resilience against another top championship side, Nottingham Forest. Three day earlier, Alex Neal’s side won over Norwich City at home. This time, they stopped Martin O’Neill side to take all three points. Declan Rudd once again produced a series of saves while the goalless draw could cost the Reds the sixth and last Play-off place.
Finally, Blackburn Rovers host Middlesbrough at Ewood Park on Sunday. Tony Pulis could like to widen the gap in the Play-off place chase. Currently, they lead over Nottingham Forest by four points and with 2 games in their hand.