Ipswich seal Premier League return after win over QPR | OneFootball

Ipswich Town are heading back to the Premier League after sealing automatic promotion on a dramatic final day in the Championship.

Kieran McKenna's side knew victory over QPR at Portman Road would guarantee second place, and they handled the pressure in style with a convincing 3-0 win.

The Tractor Boys made the perfect start, settling any nerves inside the opening stages. George Hirst fired them in front before Jaden Philogene quickly doubled the advantage, sending the home crowd into full voice. With one foot in the top flight before half-time, Ipswich looked in control throughout.

The visitors did try to respond after the break, but Ipswich stayed composed and never looked like letting the opportunity slip. Kasey McAteer added a late third to spark wild celebrations as promotion was finally confirmed.

It marks an immediate return to the Premier League after last season’s relegation, and another major achievement for McKenna, who continues to impress in the dugout.

Ipswich finished one point clear of Millwall, whose own win over Oxford was not enough, while Middlesbrough also missed out after drawing at Wrexham. Both sides must now settle for a place in the play-offs.

Incidents: The story of the match

Ipswich Town Official Line-ups:

Christian Walton, Darnell Furlong, Jacob Greaves, Dara O’Shea, Leif Davis, Azor Matusiwa, Jack Taylor, Marcelino Núñez, Wes Burns, George Hirst, Jaden Philogene

QPR Official Line-ups:

Joe Walsh, Jake Clarke-Salter, Amadou Mbengue, Ronnie Edwards, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Kieran Morgan, Nicolas Madsen, Jonathan Varane, Harvey Vale, Ilias Chair, Daniel Bennie

1':

The match begins

3':

GOAL Ipswich Town: George Hirst (Ipswich Town) scores!

George Hirst scores goal number 11 in the competition (42 matches)

9':

GOAL Ipswich Town: Jaden Philogene (Ipswich Town) scores!

Jaden Philogene scores goal number 12 in the competition (35 matches)

Kasey McAteer scores, making it 3-0.

85':

GOAL Ipswich Town: Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town) scores!

Kasey McAteer scores goal number 3 in the competition (30 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match