Conor Chaplin Leads Ipswich Town to Victory Over Sunderland

Conor Chaplin’s rocket header ensured Ipswich Town moved back into the Championship top two with victory over play-off chasing Sunderland. Southampton’s win against Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the day had enabled them to leapfrog Kieran McKenna’s side, but Ipswich ended their five-game winless run in impressive style at Portman Road.

Leif Davis curled in a perfect free-kick for Tractor Boys forward Chaplin to beat Anthony Patterson with a powerful finish, after Adil Aouchiche made a silly challenge on the wing-back. It was a winner that came just minutes after Sunderland had fluffed their own big chance, with substitute Aouchiche’s miserable couple of minutes compounded when he failed to hit the target with the goal gaping.

Sunderland had taken the lead in the first half when Jack Clarke hammered the ball beyond Vaclav Hladky following a pass from Abdoullah Ba. Town levelled when new signing Lewis Travis slid a ball through that Chaplin helped into Kayden Jackson’s path with a cute touch, and the forward curled smartly beyond Patterson.

Chaplin’s header put them ahead and there might have been even more for the home fans to cheer but for Luke Woolfenden only turning onto the post from another Davis free-kick. Ipswich answered a few questions about their strength of purpose with this result, beating a side with ambitions of a top-six finish and coming from behind in order to do so, following their recent sticky patch.

Four draws and a thumping by Leeds with an injury-stretched squad had tested the resources but with some key players back like Newcastle-born Davis and new blood introduced in Travis, they showed the required mettle to earn maximum points.

Chaplin, in particular, was key, not only with his goal and assist, but his leadership and forward prompting, and might have had had one earlier but for Patterson. Wes Burns also caused problems with a stinging cross, while Jackson fired over another chance over the bar and Davis had a ferocious effort well saved.

Sunderland were thrashed in a Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle last time out and hoped to put that disappointment behind them by gaining a result in Suffolk. They showed positive signs, notably in a first-half purple patch when they dominated possession and Jobe Bellingham was denied by Hladky.

But Michael Beale’s side will feel this was an opportunity missed, particularly given Aouchiche’s failure to find the net and the subsequent punishment Chaplin delivered. They remain outside the top six on goal difference, with Coventry currently occupying the final play-off place after their early-afternoon victory against Sheffield Wednesday.

Ipswich Town has proven their strength of purpose with this important win over a play-off contender. With the return of key players and the introduction of new blood, they showcased their mettle and determination. Conor Chaplin played a vital role with his goal and assist, leading the team both on and off the field. Ipswich answered doubts about their form by beating a side with aspirations of a top-six finish, coming from behind to secure the victory.

Sunderland, coming off a heavy defeat against Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby, sought to bounce back with a positive result. They showed promise, particularly in a dominant spell during the first half, but were ultimately let down by missed opportunities and defensive lapses. Michael Beale’s side will be disappointed to have let this chance slip away, as they remain outside the top six on goal difference.

Both teams demonstrated moments of quality, but it was Ipswich Town who ultimately prevailed, securing a crucial three points to propel them back into the Championship top two. The win marks the end of Ipswich’s five-game winless streak and sets them back on track for promotion.