Three points at Charlton lifts Town up to second spot in the Championship
The Valley, where Ipswich Town beat Charlton Athletic 2-1 in the Championship. Photo: Russell Cook.
It wasn’t pretty … but it was pretty effective.
A come from behind three points for Ipswich at The Valley last night (Wednesday, April 22) was just about deserved by the Tractor Boys as they made a major stride forward in getting back to the Premier League.
Goals from Darnell Furlong along with a second half penalty from Jaden Philogene helped secure the win against Charlton after they went in front in the first minute following a misplaced pass from Ben Johnson.
The 3,000 plus fans were in great voice prior to kick off but that was dampened early on following a strike by The Addicks as they raced into the lead when Greg Docherty slammed home a rebound from Tyreece Campbell’s saved effort.
But Furlong’s wonderful drilled finish from 20 yards – his first goal of the season – and a Philogene’s penalty either side of half-time ensured the Tractor Boys’ victory.
Ipswich – who secured the formality of at least a play-off spot with the win – had the worst away record of any side in the top 10 before kick-off but will be delighted with their first comeback win on the road this season.
It moved them back above Millwall on goal difference, who slip to third place, with both sides level on points.
Perhaps more importantly, Ipswich still have a game in hand, which puts them in the driving seat as they face a 12.30pm kick off at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
That game against West Brom and the one at Southampton three days later should define the season for Town before the final match of the campaign at home to QPR.
But they need to show an improved performance in the next three games as they were bullied into submission by Charlton early in the game.
Although Philogene was made man of the match the fans were calling for him to be hooked off at half time.
But manager Kieran McKenna stuck with his tricky wingman who delivered in the build up to the opening goal and converted a non convincing spot kick.
Speaking to Radio Suffolk after the final whistle’s McKenna said: “It’s a good way for us to win it, that’s our first comeback away from home and I think if you’re going to be successful, you’re going to need to do that across a season.
“The way we responded to a big body blow early in the game – and then, naturally, after that, a difficult six, seven minutes trying to get a foothold in the game – with belief and composure and togetherness to play our football was really positive.”
On the penalty decision he added: “It’s a clear penalty so I don’t think there will be any calls for VAR tonight.
“Another clear penalty and if you’re spending all your time in the opponents’ box testing them and testing them, then you’ve got a better chance of getting them.”