Ipswich win not enough

Lee's goal proves the difference between the teams

Last updated: 4th May 2008

Alex Bruce Fraizer Campbell Ipswich v Hull

Crunch promotion clash

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Ipswich edged this promotion clash against Hull 1-0 at Portman Road but it was not enough to secure a position in the Championship play-offs.

Substitute Alan Lee's goal in the 70th minute proved the difference between the teams.

Despite the three points, results elsewhere meant Ipswich remained in eighth in the table, although they closed the gap to just one point off the play-offs.

As Stoke gained a point against Leicester, even if Hull had secured victory it would have been academic and the Tigers now face Watford in the play-offs.

In a nervy clash played in sweltering conditions, Ipswich had the better opportunities and could have won by a greater margin.

Shefki Kuqi was controversially flagged offside after just two minutes after heading home when Pablo Counago's shot rebounded off the post.

Hit woodwork

Tommy Miller also hit the woodwork in the first half, after being teed up by Jon Walters.

In the second half, Ipswich squandered a succession of chances, with Jason De Vos, Alan Quinn and Counago all missing great openings.

It was Lee, on as a substitute for Quinn, who finally broke the deadlock after his header from six yards trickled into the net.

But Hull could have equalised immediately after going behind but substitute Nicky Barmby headed the ball straight into the arms of Stephen Bywater following a cross from Sam Ricketts.

Playing with three strikers, Hull had few other efforts of note, although veteran striker Dean Windass and full-back Andy Dawson both sent free-kicks over Bywater's bar. Dean Marney also saw a dipping volley fly narrowly over the crossbar for the visitors.