Jack Clarke scores only goal as Ipswich end losing run with West Brom victory

Jack Clarke came off the bench to net the solitary goal as Ipswich got back to winning ways with a 1-0 success against West Brom at Portman Road.

The Tractor Boys were the dominant side throughout but could not make their supremacy pay despite a series of chances until Clarke’s fifth goal of the season seven minutes from time.

It was a welcome result after back-to-back Championship defeats and lifted Ipswich just a point behind their opponents.

Albion’s goalkeeper Josh Griffiths had to acrobatically dive full length to palm away a goal-bound shot from Jaden Philogene after the Ipswich winger was put through on goal by an astute George Hirst pass.

And moments later Sam Szmodics was inches away from connecting with a cross from Philogene.

The Albion defence opened up for Jack Taylor when he received the ball on the halfway line and he made his way towards the visitors’ goal but his shot lacked any power or accuracy.

Another chance opened up for Town when Szmodics and Hirst combined but the opportunity was spurned by an overzealous cross by the former Blackburn striker.

Taylor was fouled 25 yards out by Samuel Iling-Junior and the resultant free-kick from Philogene was straight at Griffiths, who managed to push the ball away to safety.

Albion were weathering the storm and they threatened the Ipswich goal when full-back Charlie Taylor just failed to get to a cross.

Town goalkeeper Christian Walton was becoming a spectator as his side continued to press forward to try and unlock the key for the opening goal of the contest.

Cedric Kipre’s cross-field pass to raiding full-back Leif Davis found him in space on the left but the usually reliable playmaker’s cross was far too strong.

On the hour mark, Chuba Akpom suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury and was replaced by Marcelino Nunez, just failed to get to a pass from Taylor shortky after his arrival.

A cross from Philogene was then put narrowly wide by Walle Egeli, who also saw a left-footed effort sail over the bar.

Isaac Price turned the ball over the goal following a corner for Albion in the 73rd minute in a rare chance at the Ipswich goal.

However, Clarke broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute when he pounced on a defensive lapse from Albion … and it was all down to the three Ipswich substitutes.

Skipper Alex Mowatt received the ball from Griffiths but was robbed by Jens Cajuste, who found Ivan Azon and his effort was parried out to Clarke who fired high into the West Brom net.

Mikey Johnston had the ball in the net for West Brom in added time but that was ruled out following a foul in the penalty area.