Two Teddy Bishop goals helped Town’s U23s come from behind to draw 3-3 against QPR U23s and maintain their lead at the top of the Professional Development League Two South table.
A draw for Gerard Nash’s side against second-placed QPR keeps them two points clear at the top, with Crystal Palace U23s level on points with the R’s after drawing 1-1 against bottom-placed Bristol City who earnt their point thanks to a Connor Wickham overhead-kick.
Ipswich were 2-0 down early in the second half but found a way back through a goal before QPR added a third. Bishop’s two well-taken goals capped off a hard-working performance against a talented QPR side.
Despite neither team scoring in the opening 45 minutes, there were still plenty of chances. QPR’s Lewis Walker latched on to a long ball over the top in the fifth minute and had the perfect opportunity to volley over Harry Wright but misjudged his effort and hit it high over the bar.
The visitors continued to trouble the Ipswich defence and a brilliant run into the box by Ilias Chair was matched by the equally brilliant pass that found him from Paul Smyth. Wright got down well to block Chair’s shot but the ball fell to an R’s player who struck it towards an empty goal, only for Barry Cotter to slide and clear off the line.
Ipswich started to take control of the game in midfield through Andre Dozzell and Bishop with the best chance of that spell falling to Danny Rowe. The winger hit a left-footed shot high towards goal from the right edge of the box with the ball hitting the inside of the left post and bouncing away from danger.
QPR came out flying in the second half and were quickly 1-0 up. Sean Goss was played in by Chair and the central midfielder fired the ball high past Wright at his near post from eight yards out in the 49th minute.
Six minutes later and the visitors’ lead was doubled. The impressive Smyth broke towards the Ipswich area with only Myles Kenlock keeping pace with him, but once the pair were inside the box the Ipswich full-back bundled him over for a penalty.
Aramide Oteh stepped up to take the spot-kick and struck confidently down the middle with Wright diving to his left.
It only took two minutes for Ipswich to get a fortunate goal back. Ben Folami played the ball to Aaron Drinan in the centre of the pitch who quickly moved it on to Rowe on the right wing. He quickly took a touch before striking the ball against the right post and across the face of goal for Niko Hamalaiwen to hit into his own net.
A short corner was Ipswich’s downfall in the 65th minute. QPR quickly got possession and broke away with Smyth powering into the right side of the area and launching the ball high across goal into the top left corner to restore the R’s two-goal lead.
Ipswich quickly rallied and once again scored only two minutes after conceding. Rowe — who had impressed throughout — cut inside from the right wing and played the ball across the edge of the box to Bishop who struck with his left foot into the bottom right corner to ignite a possible comeback.
Three minutes later Ipswich were level thanks to an instant impact from substitute Shane McLoughlin. His run and ball in from the left made the opportunity which Bishop, who along with Dozzell played the full 90 minutes, confidently hit home at the near post.
QPR did come close to stealing the three points late in the game when Smyth crossed dangerously into the centre of the box, but Toto Nsiala was fortunate to see his goal-bound clearance hit Wright on the line and bounce away from danger.
Among those watching the match was Barry Fry, Peterborough United's director of football. We understand he was watching QPR's Smyth rather than any Town players.
Wright, Cotter, Kenlock, Nsiala, Donacien, Dozzell (c), Rowe (K Brown 70), El Mizouni (McGavin 75), Drinan, Bishop, Folami (McLoughlin 75). Unused: Egan, Ndaba.