Ipswich Town secured a significant 2-0 victory against Coventry City on December 30, 2023, narrowing the gap to the Championship’s top two teams. This win marked the end of Coventry’s unbeaten home record for the season and halted their impressive run of eight consecutive home victories.
Ipswich’s scoring opened with a goal from Jack Clarke in the 72nd minute, followed by Wes Burns netting his first goal since April 2024 just 11 minutes later. Prior to this match, Ipswich was trailing Coventry by 13 points, and five points behind second-placed Middlesbrough. This victory also provided a much-needed boost for Ipswich after a stretch of four away matches without a win.
After a dominant first half where Ipswich controlled nearly 70 percent of possession, manager Kieran McKenna implemented four changes from the previous match against Millwall. New additions included Jack Taylor, Sindre Walle Egeli, and Clarke, with Jacob Greaves stepping in for the ill Leif Davis. The early moments of the match showcased Ipswich’s offensive potential, with Greaves delivering a cross that led to an early chance for Ivon Azon, whose header was saved by Coventry’s goalkeeper Carl Rushworth.
Coventry struggled to maintain their usual attacking prowess, managing only one shot in the first half, a header from Ephron Mason-Clark. The second half began with a more aggressive approach from the Sky Blues, but they were unable to capitalize on their chances. Ipswich’s goalkeeper Christian Walton made a crucial save to deny a deflected effort from American striker Haji Wright.
As the game progressed, Coventry’s frustrations mounted, particularly when a penalty appeal was dismissed by referee Anthony Backhouse after a collision between Wright and Darnell Furlong. Ipswich continued to pressure Coventry’s defense, leading to Clarke’s opening goal in the 72nd minute. A well-placed pass from Marcelino Núñez found Clarke, whose shot deflected off Woolfenden before finding the net.
Burns sealed the victory in the 83rd minute, receiving another assist from Núñez. This marked a significant return for Burns, who had been sidelined since suffering an ACL injury in January against Liverpool. His composed finish in front of the traveling Ipswich supporters underscored the team’s resilience and determination.
With this victory at the CBS Arena, Ipswich not only celebrated a crucial three points but also demonstrated their capacity to challenge for a higher position in the Championship standings as the season progresses. The Tractor Boys will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches, while Coventry will aim to regroup after this setback.
