Ipswich Town One Game Away from the Premier League

Ipswich Town are now a point away from reaching the Premier League for the first time in 24 years. Their 2-1 away win over Coventry City put them three points clear of third-placed Leeds United with a game left to play. The Tractor Boys won their first game in five after a barren run of form. Yet, their win over Coventry put them within touching distance of promotion, hosting Huddersfield Town on Saturday who are all but relegated. 

After being promoted from League 1 last season, Ipswich were not expected to be vying for promotion. However, the loan deals of Omari Hutchinson, Jeremy Sarmiento and Kieffer Moore bolstered their prospects of going up. Leif Davis proved to be a standout player throughout the season, notching up 18 assists from left-back. 

Leif Davies (left) and Omari Hutchinson (right) have been two standout players for Ipswich Town. Photo Credit: Ipswich Town Instagram

Leeds face a tricky home tie to Southampton who are pushing for promotion themselves albeit through the playoffs. Though Leeds have a better goal difference than Ipswich, they must beat the Saints at Elland Road to be in any contention for automatic promotion. 

Kieran McKenna is looking to lead Ipswich to England’s Premier competition for the first time since 2002. Their recent run of games featured a common trend of failing to take their chances and failing to capitalize on any slip-ups from Leeds.

Their most recent game vs Hull City saw them surrender the lead three times in a 3-3 thriller in a weekend where Leeds lost to league strugglers Queens Park Rangers 4-0. 

Yet, they took full advantage of this time. 

Kieffer Moore put the visitors in the lead after just eight minutes. However, a Haji Wright cracker midway through the second half found its way past Václav Hladky. But they weren’t level for long as Cameron Burgess’s 69th-minute goal clinched all three points for McKenna’s men. 

Ipswich celebrating their first goal scored by Kieffer Moore. Photo Credit: Ipswich Town Instagram

Kieran McKenna said that all concentration is on Saturday as they look to finalize their promotion. 

“It’s an emotional night, it’s a great night to enjoy with our supporters. We know the significance of tonight won’t be determined until Saturday, and that’s our next job and our next focus now.” 

With Leicester City already gaining promotion to the Premier League, one more automatic promotion spot is up for grabs. Ipswich Town will be looking to take full advantage when they take on Huddersfield Town on Saturday at 7:30 E.T. with all games playing simultaneously.