Freddie Sears netted a deflected 83rd minute goal saw the Blues to a 2-1 home victory over Nottingham Forest and to within touching distance of the play-offs. Daryl Murphy put the Blues, who are up to fifth, ahead with his 25th goal of the season on 22 but Christophe Berra’s 53rd minute own goal handed the visitors a lifeline before Sears’s late winner.

Stephen Hunt replaced the unwell Jay Tabb in an otherwise unchanged Town side. Luke Varney and Darren Ambrose returned to the bench after hamstring injuries and Kevin Bru after a calf problem, alongside Elliott Hewitt, who was back in the 18 for the first time since returning from his spell at Colchester.

Following an impeccable minute’s silence to mark the 30th anniversary of the Bradford Fire Disaster, Forest had the game’s first chance in the second minute.

Cole Skuse’s poor touch on the edge of the Blues box bounced to Dexter Blackstock, but the striker’s shot failed to test Bartosz Bialkowski.

Town’s first opportunity came on four, Daryl Murphy heading Teddy Bishop’s corner from the right over the bar.

Ben Osborn shot powerfully but straight at Bialkowski in the eighth minute after Tyrone Mings had surrendered possession.

The Blues had started scruffily, all too often failing to clear their lines following Forest attacks but gradually they began to get on top. On 19 Freddie Sears hit a well-struck effort from distance which curled well wide.

Just as the clock was about to turn over from 21 to 22 with the Portman Road crowd paying tribute to 21-year-old supporter Chris Reynolds, who died last weekend, with a minute’s applause, the Blues took the lead.

Murphy flicked on a long ball to Sears, who deftly knocked the ball down to his strike partner just inside the area to the right and the Championship’s top scorer smashed his 25th goal of the season past Karl Darlow and into the net. The Irishman is the first Blues player to hit 25 league goals in a season since Ray Crawford in 1962/63.

Skipper Luke Chambers suffered what appeared to be a concerning injury after being caught late in the 29th minute but after treatment was OK to continue.

On 38 Tommy Smith headed Hunt’s freekick from the left over the bar, then two minutes later Darlow had a scare when he slipped as a long ball bounced through to him but recovered his footing in time to claim.

Moments later, Mings crossed from the left but Murphy and Chambers both saw shots blocked.

In the final scheduled minute of the half Murphy skipped between a couple of defenders but scuffed a 25-yard shot to Darlow.

As the period moved into injury time, Bialkowski tipped Lansbury’s curling shot over the bar.

After a scrappy start the Blues had largely controlled the half but without creating too many clear-cut chances, aside from the opportunity which led to Murphy lashing home his excellent 25th of the campaign.

The striker scuffed his late chance to add the second goal which would probably seal the three points and all but confirm the Blues’ play-off place.

Six minutes after the restart, Tommy Smith went down in the area after appearing to be caught by an arm but referee Graham Salisbury waved away the protests. Seconds later, the Blues were awarded a freekick 25 yards out for a foul on Hunt, who curled his dead-ball strike wide.

On 53, almost out of nothing, the visitors got back on terms. Bialkowski palmed away Chuba Akpom’s 25-yard strike, Osborn sent the ball back into the area from the left and Christophe Berra, slipping as he tried to clear from the edge of the six-yard box, inadvertently diverted it back past his keeper into the net. It was an own goal as unfortunate as they come.

Forest began to get on top following the goal and in the 59th minute Hunt was forced to make a superb challenge to thwart Akpom when he seemed certain to stab into the net from close range. Bialkowski was quickest to the loose ball ahead of Henri Lansbury before Jonny Parr finally cleared the danger.

Bialkowski was forced into action again a minute later, the Pole pawing wide Michail Antonio’s 30-yard strike.

On 64 Luke Varney replaced Hunt and three minutes later the sub went within inches of putting the Blues back in front. Murphy back-heeled to Bishop on the right and the 18-year-old sent over a cross which the on-loan Blackburn man flicked across goal but just past the post.

Kevin Bru replaced Parr on 68, the Mauritian international heading a Mings cross wide with the Blues beginning to get back on top after Forest’s brief post-goal resurgence. A minute later, Varney flicked another header to Darlow.

Murphy scuffed a low shot through to the Forest keeper on 76 with the Blues on top but not testing Darlow often or severely enough. Two minutes later, Bru whipped over a cross from the right which flew beyond his team-mates.

Former Forest midfielder Paul Anderson replaced Bishop for the final 11 minutes, while the visitors swapped Akpon for Chris Burke.

Within seconds of coming on, Anderson almost won a penalty when a defender’s leg caught him as he took the ball past him but the winger remained on his feet and ultimately sent his cross behind.

Varney went close again on 82 when his looping header from Anderson’s left-wing cross flew just over.

Two minutes later, the Blues’ lead was restored. After Murphy had nodded down Murphy's long ball Sears battled his way past Jack Hobbs on the edge of the area before hitting a shot which took a wicked deflection off Michael Mancienne, struck the wrong-footed Darlow’s left post and flew across goal before hitting the net.

Sears, who has now scored nine goals for the Blues in addition to his 14 for Colchester, ran off towards the East of England Co-Op Stand to celebrate with his team-mates.

The former West Ham youngster threatened again on 89, breaking away one-on-one with Mancienne but eventually shooting against the defender.

In injury time there were a couple of scary moments for the Blues. First Lansbury sent a freekick into the box from deep which Lascelles headed over ahead of Bialkowski, then - after Anderson had been booked for encroaching - Mings appeared to take a kick to the head has Town tried to clear another freekick into the box.

But the Blues weren’t to be denied the three points and referee Salisbury’s whistle confirmed the victory.

Town looked to be on their way to a routine victory at half-time but the unlucky own goal got Forest back into the game.

But the Blues weathered their spell on top and had been pushing for a second when Sears netted his, also slightly fortunate, winner. Following the final whistle there was the traditional lap of honour by the players and staff.

The win and results elsewhere see the Blues move up to fifth ahead of Derby, who drew 3-3 at Millwall, while seventh-placed Brentford won 2-0 away at Reading and Wolves in eighth won 1-0 away at Wigan.

Town remain three points ahead of those two with a superior goal difference - three more than Brentford (who have scored more than the Blues), seven more than Wolves (who haven't) - and one point ahead of the Rams (who have a better goal difference) going into next week’s final game at Blackburn.

The Blues will confirm their place in the play-offs if they avoid defeat at Ewood Park or lose and at least two of the following results fail to occur elsewhere: Derby win or draw, Brentford win with a swing of three goals or more, or Wolves win with a swing of at least seven, or in an unlikely scenario eight, goals.

Elsewhere, Watford's promotion was confirmed by their 2-0 win at Brighton. Middlesbrough, who are third, lost 4-3 Fulham, Norwich in fourth drew 1-1 at Rotherham and second-placed AFC Bournemouth play Bolton at home on Monday.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Mings, Berra, Smith, Skuse, Bishop (Anderson 80), Parr (Bru 68), S Hunt (Varney 64), Murphy, Sears. Unused: Gerken, Fryers, Hewitt, Ambrose, Varney.

Nottingham Forest: Darlow, Lichaj (Fox 62), Mancienne, Lascelles, Hobbs, Vaughan, Lansbury (c), Osborn (Walker 86), Antonio, Akpon (Burke 80), Blackstock. Unused: Evtimov, Kane, Paterson, Grant. Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire). Attendance: 25,199 (Forest: 1,051).

Photo: Action Images

DurhamTownFan added 17:53 - Apr 25 Honestly, it wouldn't take TOO much to swing away from us so let's not count our chickens! We only need to lose 1-0 and Brentford win 2-0 and they go above on goals scored. That would be devastating. I'm hoping that mick comes out fighting this week. Nothing has been decided yet and if we think it has then were setting ourselves up for a shock. We have to go to Blackburn looking to score and nick it. The worst thing we can do is sit bak and play for a draw. Gestede has been mint lately, and we've seen in games like Norwich an derby that playing under pressure often results in a shaky performance. So, we go to win, and we remind everyone in the team why we are up there in the league. Let's play some football and take it to them!

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Ipswichbusiness added 17:57 - Apr 25 Whatever you think of the performance, that was a vital win. However, it doesn't mean that we are in the play offs let alone promoted as we have a job to do at Blackburn and that will not be easy. According to the BBC website, Murphy is the first Ipswich player in 52 years to score 25 league goals in a season; a huge vote of thanks is due to him as many on this website (myself included) underestimated him.

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bluefeast added 18:02 - Apr 25 im shattered
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muccletonjoe added 18:03 - Apr 25 Next weekend not for the faint hearted
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blueherts added 18:10 - Apr 25 Ray Crawford !! last man to do it !! never saw him and years back a guy in front compared every missed chance with 'Crawford and Phillips would have had that one !' Great season Murph and what a signing Sears has been - Fantastic - we need to score a goal at Ewood Bru makes a difference and with no Varney available we need a strong midfield showing - Bru and Skuse I like in there Be amazing if Derby lose and us and Brentford get in !! Funny old game - Bonkers - whatever gonna be immense weekend ! COYB

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ipswichboi added 18:14 - Apr 25 I'm so happy. Up there with the highlights of my life. Number one was beating Barnsley at Wembley in 2000. We go again Saturday...
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warwickblue added 18:15 - Apr 25 I felt so sorry for Berra. He has been absolutely outstanding in the last few games and that must be the first time he's slipped up and it's in the back of the net. Still it had no subsequent impact on his performance and, thank goodness, no impact on a vital three points. Mick has said all season that it will probably come down to the last game - and so it proves - but really it's ours to throw away now rather than anything else. Norwich in the final please - don't know if my nerves can stand anything else.

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blueherts added 18:17 - Apr 25 We should wrap Murph and Sears in cotton wool this week ! go easy in training Gonna be a tough one - their last homer and we gonna need to score - Brentford have a nicer task although if Rotherham lose their game in hand Wigan will need to win it When you look at the bottom and see teams like Wigan , Reading , Rotherham and Brighton - I cant help thinking of our last games against them BUT POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND ALL IN OUR HANDS -- GET IN !!!

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warktheline added 18:19 - Apr 25 Blueboy, do you believe that,'only capitulation can spoil it now' ??? For me it's in our hands but all up for grabs. Blackburn away for us whilst Brentford and Derby have home games! Three goals can swing very quickly. It's bloody hell being a Town fan, it's going to the wire people, believe me. A win today was fantastic, but our goal difference could have been vastly improved today, alas it wasn't to be. Sincerely hope for all concerned Lady Luck shines upon us next week!!!!!!

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TractorBoy666 added 18:25 - Apr 25 I don't know how much I can take of this, never celebrated so much in my life when that deflected goal went in! For that first goal to come at the end of that applause, I saw the guy below in the lower bobby robson stand get so emotional as he was recording the minute and for a goal to come in the final seconds was so fitting. Well done Town, although we are not quite there yet, a drab 0-0 will do me just fine next week. COYB

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stevieiriswattii added 18:31 - Apr 25 Bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, lalalala 😀
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martleshamitfc added 18:35 - Apr 25 If i remember correctly back in 1994 we drew the last game of the season 0.0 to stay in the premier league, same next week will do, although a 5.0 win will be appreciated to calm the nerves!
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martleshamitfc added 18:36 - Apr 25 *also Blackburn away*
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CornardBlue added 18:43 - Apr 25 Great win got nervy until MM put Varney and Bru on, they gave us so much more energy and Drive. Pity Varney cannot play next week I think he is worth a contract next season. Murph and Freddie awesome.
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ChrisFelix added 18:44 - Apr 25 Substitutions worked today, all three. Thought hunt was poor, and Parr contributed very little. Different side after varney came on
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PJH added 18:48 - Apr 25 Another very important win. As others have said, how appropriate that first goal scored at the end of minute's applause. They will have to manage without me next week as I go on holiday Saturday-bad planning I know. The three other games that I have missed this season(home and away)have been one win,one draw and one defeat-please let next Saturday be a draw at least. COYB
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Northwestblue added 18:50 - Apr 25 Well done to the lads today. We need to sell out our allocation at Blackburn and sing the team into the playoffs. COYB
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boysinblue added 18:54 - Apr 25 Fantastic win! BUT, a draw would have had us needing exactly the same result against Blackburn. A 3 goal difference is nothing, if we lose next weekend we won't make the play offs as Brentford will beat Wigan by more than a goal I'd imagine. I can assure you we are nowhere near guaranteed a playoff spot, if we don't get a result we're stuffed. No pressure lads.
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EssexTractor added 19:05 - Apr 25 And so the 46 th match becomes the most important! Murphy and Sears combine today for both goals, excellent partnership continues to blossom. But my favourite two moments today, a fabulous interception by Christophe Berra in the last five minutes and his 40 yard pass to Daryl to set up the winner Had his really unfortunate own goal denied a victory today it would have been tragic for Towns Mr Reliable. There is almost certainly going to be at least one final twist next Saturday. Squeaky bum and hide behind the cushion time!

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WashbrookBlue added 19:08 - Apr 25 Man, what an afternoon and there's more stress to come next week for sure! So pleased for Berra that we found a way to win because he has been an absolute rock for us all season long and to carry the burden of that error meaning we would miss out would have been awful. Credit to the manager for some great substitutions - "Reg" made a massive impact I thought. Again, somehow, we found a way to get over the line as we have all season. Look at all the clubs who have now nothing at all to play for - the Fulhams the Cardiffs the Nottinghams the Boltons the Blackburns the Sheffields - and then give the whole management team and playing staff a massive pat on the back whatever happens. Its been a long dark decade since we were in this position so any criticism of style etc - however justified - seems churlish in the extreme . Well done boys!!

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halsteadblue added 19:24 - Apr 25 Northwestblue is right we must take us many fans to Ewood Park as possible,we are the twelve man after all and it could make all the difference.Marcus how about some free coach travel for us ever present super blues supporters ? Rumour has it you`ve made a few quid recently.Come on Marcus you know it makes sense.Lets make some noise for the Tractor Boys.............COYB

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Cloddyseedbed added 19:26 - Apr 25 Great game, result and atmosphere today. We are so near to playoffs, would take a cruel twist to not get there now. Fingers crossed. I'm planning to nick all the hoses before any playoff games because players found it hard to keep their feet out there today in both penalty area's. Why do they water them so much? Berra's own goal was because he slipped and the ball came off his foot when unbalanced.

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StochesStotasBlewe added 19:32 - Apr 25 ................On another note, well done to Watford for getting promoted today. We,ve beaten them twice this season, so the margins for success are very fine indeed. No need to fear Blackburn next Saturday, but approach the game with respect for them and go full of confidence. We can do this.
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warktheline added 19:48 - Apr 25 Let's hope the 'Rhodes Factor' doesn't upset the apple cart! Have a heart Rhodes, and please don't spend 90 odds mins booing him.
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SloughBlue added 19:55 - Apr 25 Just back after witnessing a positive,hard working performance.How emotional was that scoring at the end of the minutes applause.Good to see the respect shown to those who lost their life in the Bradford fire.Glad to see no one is blaming Berra after his performances this season.Cant help but think Bart needs to dominate his area a bit more.Thought we were much better once Varney,Bru and Anderson came on.It was back to 4 3 3 and playing football to feet.Just take first half/last 20 minute performance to Blackburn next week.Well done to everyone who was 12 th man today and those who remained at the end to congratulate the management/squad on a successful season.Whatever happens look at the squad for next season with possibility of additions.Keep the Faith

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