reignited their promotion charge with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over at Portman Road, ending a long wait for a come-from-behind win in the process.
Kieran McKenna’s side had not recovered from a losing position to win since their memorable triumph over Southampton on Easter Monday in 2024. But history appeared to repeat itself as Town overturned an early deficit to claim a crucial three points in front of their home supporters.
The visitors struck first through Carlos Vicente, whose low drive found the bottom corner after Ipswich had initially started brightly. Despite dominating the early exchanges, the hosts struggled to turn possession into clear-cut chances, with Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle largely untroubled.
As the first half wore on, Ipswich’s rhythm faltered and nerves began to creep into their play. Losing midfielder Azor Matusiwa to injury further disrupted their momentum, forcing a tactical reshuffle.
However, just as frustration threatened to set in, Ipswich produced a stunning late first-half turnaround.
The equaliser arrived in the 41st minute when Ben Johnson reacted quickest inside the box. His effort was adjudged to have crossed the line despite Birmingham’s attempts to clear, handing the hosts a lifeline.
Moments later, the comeback was complete. Kasey McAteer combined well with George Hirst before calmly slotting home on the stroke of half-time, sending Portman Road into celebration and giving Ipswich a vital advantage heading into the break.
The second half proved far less comfortable for the home side.
Birmingham pushed forward in search of an equaliser and enjoyed the better of possession, while Ipswich struggled to regain their earlier fluency. McAteer came close to adding a third shortly after the restart, but his effort drifted wide in what proved to be one of the few clear openings.
The visitors thought they had found a way back into the contest midway through the half, but their goal was ruled out after the ball was deemed to have gone out of play in the build-up—a decision that ultimately proved pivotal.
Late pressure from Birmingham tested Ipswich’s resolve, with Christian Walton producing a crucial save to tip a powerful effort onto the post before the rebound was cleared.
Despite the late scare, Ipswich managed the closing stages effectively, slowing the tempo and seeing out the victory to secure an important win in their push for Premier League promotion.
The result not only strengthens their position in the Championship race but also highlights the growing resilience within McKenna’s squad—an attribute that could prove decisive in the final weeks of the season.
