An early goal from Conor Chaplin propelled Ipswich Town to the top of the Championship standings as they narrowly defeated Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
Chaplin’s early shot, though mis-timed, found its way past Rovers keeper Aynsley Pears at his near post, securing a crucial victory for Ipswich Town and propelling them one point ahead of Leeds United, who later drew with Watford.
Blackburn Rovers believed they had leveled the score through Joe Rankin-Costello, but the goal was disallowed due to Sammie Szmodics obstructing keeper Vaclav Hladky’s line of sight while in an offside position.
After the break, Rovers dominated proceedings and had a second goal annulled for a foul on the keeper before Hladky thwarted Szmodics from close range.
While Ipswich secured their eighth win in nine games, they were made to work hard for three points in Lancashire. Conversely, Rovers’ winless streak in the league extended to eight games, leaving them just three points above the relegation zone.
The home side’s frustration began with Pears’ early mistake as Chaplin capitalized, receiving a pass from Leif Davis and slotting the ball past Pears with his left foot.
Rovers continued to press in the second half, with Scott Wharton’s goal disallowed for a foul on Hladky before Andrew Moran’s impressive finish was also ruled out.
Their persistence almost paid off when Hladky hesitated in his six-yard box, allowing Szmodics to block his clearance and attempt to score, only for Hladky to make a desperate save with his left arm.
With Ipswich needing a second goal to secure the win, they created two opportunities on the counterattack, but Ali Al-Hamadi missed the target from Kayden Jackson’s cutback, and Jackson himself fired wide from a tight angle.
Despite a flurry of late corners and Harry Pickering’s deflected shot over the bar, Ipswich managed to cling on to their narrow lead and secure the victory.
Blackburn Rovers head coach John Eustace:
“Frustrated but very proud as well. I thought the effort of the group was outstanding.
“After the week we’ve had with the injuries and bit of sickness in the camp as well, to have possibly four starters out of the XI, I thought the effort was outstanding.
“We’ve gone up against a very good team and played very well and we’re disappointed not to get anything out of the game.”
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna:
“Fantastic result, you have to enjoy every win you get in the Championship.
“The performance was mixed. I thought first half we started ever so well, big credit to the way we came out, especially after international duty, we imposed ourselves really well on the game.#
“Didn’t control the game as we would have liked but sometimes you have to show that other side and I thought we did that really well.”