Ipswich extended their undefeated streak to seven games with a victory over Preston North End, keeping pressure on Leicester City at the top of the Championship table.
Conor Chaplin, a reliable scorer, gave them the lead with a first-time attempt, and while Mads Frokjaer-Jensen equalized after the Tractor Boys failed to clear a loose ball, Brandon Williams’ solo effort and Nathan Broadhead’s close-range goal gave them a 3-1 lead at the half.
Ben Whiteman’s deflected strike reduced the lead to one, but Ipswich’s fourth goal was provided by Kayden Jackson, another substitute, who was set up by Marcus Harness, Jack Taylor, and Omari Hutchinson.
Preston attempted to right the ship, but Town hung on for their ninth victory in 11 games this year, keeping them in second place overall, two points behind Leicester, heading into the international break.
The third-place Preston team, who just suffered their third loss in eight days, is currently eight points behind them.
After allowing seven goals in their previous two games, North End found themselves down to the game’s first significant effort when Chaplin str
oked home from a feed into the box by Leif Davis, which was the final away team to maintain a spotless record at Portman Road a year ago.
Broadhead had the chance to attempt a risky 40-yard chip after Jack Whatmough’s loose pass, but
After some shoddy Ipswich defence, Frokjaer-Jensen equalized as the ball drifted just wide.
Ipswich, who had at least two goals in each of their previous 14 home games, regained the lead when Williams was given freedom to bring the ball from his own half and shoot past Woodman.
.However, Broadhead made it 3-1 from close range after George Hirst headed down, and it could have been even worse for Preston before the break as Wes Burns twice and Chaplin tested Woodman in extra time. The Lilywhites should have been level again as Patrick Bauer headed down a free-kick and Milutin Osmajic screwed his shot wide of the post..
Three players were taken out by Preston manager Ryan Lowe at halftime, including captain Alan Browne, who had returned to the lineup after a sickness. The move quickly paid off when replacement Whiteman’s strike sailed in via the post.
Jackson, though, soothed any tension among the home crowd, and when Ben Woodburn sent an effort wide of the Ipswich goal, Freddie Ladapo almost made it five at the other end but was stopped by Woodman.
