Ipswich Town have recorded a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town to seal promotion to the Premier League.
Kieran McKenna's side could have ended a 22-year spell away from the top flight with a draw against opponents who had been all but relegated from the Championship.
However, goals in either half from Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson ensured that it was a comfortable afternoon for the Tractor Boys, who were also aided by Leeds United losing 2-1 to Southampton at Elland Road.
As a result of Leicester City losing 2-0 at home to Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich finish just one point adrift of the champions in the standings.
Ipswich keep fate in own hands during first half
Although their automatic promotion hopes remained in the balance, there was a party atmosphere inside Portman Road amid optimism over a routine afternoon, even in these circumstances.
That is how it proved to be during the first half. Ipswich completely dominated their lowly opponents and Wes Burns's coolly-taken finish from inside the penalty area was the least they deserved from their performance in the opening 45 minutes.
"They are Premier League bound!" 📈
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 4, 2024
Wes Burns puts Ipswich in the lead! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nV0HREX9yI
Up at Elland Road, Leeds were struggling to shake off the manner of their 4-0 reverse at Queens Park Rangers last time out, with Adam Armstrong putting Southampton into the lead in the 18th minute.
While Leeds soon responded through Joel Piroe's powerful finish, Kyle Walker-Peters teed up Will Smallbone to sweep home from close range in the 35th minute.
A scenario was subsequently created where Huddersfield and Leeds each needed to score twice after the break to prevent Ipswich from being promoted.
Ipswich coast to automatic promotion
Omari HUTCHINSON! 📈🔥 pic.twitter.com/34W285q8Cw
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 4, 2024
Within three minutes of the restart, Omari Hutchinson ensured that Huddersfield needed to score three times to dramatically change the script.
The Chelsea loanee cut inside to find himself on the edge of the area before unleashing a low strike that found the bottom corner.
As a result of that goal, the remainder of the second half was a precession, with Leeds also remaining adrift to Southampton at Elland Road and left to turn their attention to the playoffs.
West Brom, Norwich seal playoff spots
The two remaining playoff places went to West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City, with Hull City's 1-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle ultimately ensuring that they would miss out regardless of the other results.
West Brom would record a 3-0 win over Preston North End at The Hawthorns to finish in fifth place, setting up a playoff semi-final against Southampton.
Meanwhile, Norwich lost 1-0 at Birmingham City, who have still been relegated, to leave them facing Leeds in the last four of the playoffs.
Darren Plant
