Ipswich edged closer to an immediate Premier League return by ending Southampton ’s automatic promotion hopes with a thrilling 2-2 draw at St Mary’s.

Substitute Jack Clarke lashed Town level in the 87th minute after goals from Saints pair Ryan Manning and Cyle Larin overturned Wes Burns’ opener.

The south-coast stalemate moves Kieran McKenna ’s side a point clear of third-placed Millwall going into the final day of the Sky Bet Championship season.

Despite stretching their unbeaten run to 18 league games, fifth-placed Southampton must be content with a place in the play-offs on the back of Saturday’s agonising FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City.

Ipswich host QPR on Saturday lunchtime while promotion rivals Millwall, whose goal difference is inferior by 17, play at home to relegated Oxford.

Middlesbrough also remain in the hunt to finish runners-up to title winners Coventry and will go to play-off chasing Wrexham at the weekend sitting two points off the pace.In a tense tussle between two teams…