A controversial late penalty rescued a 2-2 draw for Ipswich against promotion rivals Middlesbrough to move Kieran McKenna's side back into the top two of the Championship table.
Boro looked to be moving level on points with Ipswich after Tommy Conway tapped home from close range (64) to restore the lead after David Strelec's opener was cancelled out by Kasey McAteer, only for Jack Clarke's penalty to draw Ipswich level with three minutes to go.
The penalty was awarded after George Hirst went down in the area despite minimal contact from Adilson Malanda. Referee Jarred Gillett did not hesitate when pointing to the spot, with Clarke dispatching it confidently moments later.
"I don't think that's the point [not getting there], whether I'm getting there or not, you can't pull me back," Hirst told Your Site. "Whether I get there or not, it's a silly mistake. It's a penalty."
Ipswich came into the fixture outside of the automatic promotion places after Millwall's 2-0 win against QPR on Saturday. But the point at home moves them back into the top two on goal difference, with four games to play and a fixture in hand on their promotion rivals.
Meanwhile, Boro's hopes of securing automatic promotion now fade after squandering two crucial points late on and seeing their winless run extended to seven games.
"It will be difficult to get second, that is simple math to do," Boro boss Kim Hellberg told Your Site. They remain in fifth place, six points ahead of Wrexham in seventh, with the play-offs now beckoning.
Ipswich's Kieran McKenna:
"It was a great game and we were the better team in the first half. We didn't defend our box in one moment and were not clinical.
"A really good first half, much better team in the game, but the momentum swung completely.
"They grew in confidence, and we were hanging on. It had waves but for the majority of it, we were a dominant side
"We were not playing for a point. I wouldn't have taken a point in the first half but when we went 2-1 down, I would've taken it then. We were swinging to win it, you could see that at the end. Both teams were going for the win.
"We now go for the next game and we know we're in a good position, but the schedule is tough. Now we have to play three away games in six days, it will take a massive effort. We know we are in a good position.
Middlesbrough's Kim Hellberg:
"Over 90 minutes we were better than them and should've won the game. The penalty, I have seen it often, he makes a pen of it. What should I say?
"There is some contact and he can defend a little bit. He takes a risk but if that was enough for a penalty, there would be many, many pens.
"Not yet. We did a good game and I want to be very proud of the game. I think we were brilliant. We played a tough team with many great players.
"I am proud that we play this kind of game. It is tough to do here."
