Azor Matusiwa’s stunning second-half strike earned Ipswich Town a hard-fought 1-0 victory over fellow promotion contenders Hull City, lifting the Tractor Boys into third place in the Championship.

Despite dominating from the outset, Ipswich were continually frustrated by a disciplined and industrious Hull side, who kept the hosts at bay for much of a tight and tactical contest at Portman Road.

The breakthrough finally arrived with 19 minutes remaining, when Matusiwa unleashed a powerful long‑range effort that crashed off the underside of the crossbar before nestling into the net, lighting up an otherwise scrappy affair.

Moments later, Ipswich nearly doubled their lead, but Jack Clarke was denied brilliantly by Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, who reacted sharply to keep his side in the contest.

Ipswich, relegated from the Premier League last season, now sit just three points off the automatic promotion places, with a game in hand on both Middlesbrough and leaders Coventry. The win also marked a personal milestone for Kieran McKenna, registering his 100th victory as Ipswich manager in his 210th match in charge, surpassing a club record previously held by World Cup‑winning former boss Sir Alf Ramsey.

Hull, who introduced Oli McBurnie at half-time in search of greater attacking threat, remained resilient but struggled to create clear openings. The Tigers stay fifth, six points adrift of the top two yet maintaining a healthy cushion over the chasing pack outside the play‑off positions.

Pandur went forward for a stoppage‑time corner in a late push for an equaliser, but Ipswich held firm to secure their 12th home win of the season and strengthen their promotion bid.

Matusiwa strike lifts Ipswich Town to third

Matusiwa strike lifts Ipswich Town to third