Ipswich claw their way back to force a draw

After three seasons of heartbreak, Ipswich must at last feel someone upstairs is smiling on them. From 2-0 down yesterday they salvaged a draw, and the explosion of relief from the away end at Marcus Stewart's second goal was entirely understandable.

After 28 minutes the chances of an Ipswich appearance at Wembley had looked faint, as a fourth successive play-off failure looked certain.

But far from cursing their luck and wondering about hoodoos, George Burley's players kept their cool and fought back. Showing the greater quality and composure for much of the match, they deserved this result. It was not, though, achieved without its worrying moments.

Had chances been taken, the result could have been 6-6. But there was plenty to make Burley think that a deserved change of fortune beckons. "There's no doubt we are recognised as a very good footballing side," the Ipswich manager said.

Early on, though, Bolton were clinical. From Jensen's corner in the fifth minute Dean Holdsworth headed them in front at the near post.

Eidur Gudjohnsen added number two, picking up a Jensen pass and sending a low shot past Richard Wright. But gradually Ipswich clawed their way back. The loss of Johnson in the 33rd minute with a neck injury that makes him doubtful for Wednesday could have been disastrous. But far from hampering them it appeared to help.

His replacement Martin Reuser had an energetic, influential game in midfield, setting up Stewart's equaliser and having two shots saved. Stewart, without a goal since mid-February, thrived on the added responsibility.

His first strike was a gem, a fierce first-time shot from almost 30 yards into the top corner. And after chances had come and gone at both ends, among them his own wild miss, he coolly added the second from Reuser's pass. Barnsley are well on their way back to the premiership after Saturday's 4-0 win away at Birmingham. Shipperley gave the visitors the lead in the 12th minute and two second-half goals from Dyer and an 84th minute Hignall strike leaves them in a strong position for Thursday's second leg