Ipswich Town clawed back into second place after a 2-2 thriller with Middlesbrough at Portman Road, edging Millwall on goal difference and pulling a crucial extra point clear of Southampton. The draw left both managers insisting the next ten days will decide the second automatic promotion place. Ipswich also hold a game in hand on their rivals.

McKenna warned his squad faces three away fixtures in six days – Charlton on Wednesday, West Brom on Saturday and a potential title‑decider at Southampton on April 28. Only eight wins from 20 league trips firmly underline the team's road struggles, yet a win at the eventual champions earlier this season shows they can deliver when it matters.

Middlesbrough, once two points clear of Coventry in February, now trail the chase by three points after a seven‑game winless spell that yielded just four points from a possible 21. Hellberg, appointed in November, reminded his side they remain in contention for an automatic spot or a play‑off push, but the next two results will dictate their fate. Fans will be hoping for a late surge.