By Archie Tooth
Cardiff City made it four league wins a row as injury-time goals from Ryan Wintle and substitute Callum O’Dowda secured a stunning win against title-chasing Ipswich Town.
The Bluebirds were trailing 1-0 in the 94th minute after their former striker Kieffer Moore had put the visitors ahead with an arrowed 79th minute strike.
But with the three points seemingly in the bag for Ipswich, Wintle levelled in the 95th minute when his deflected shot found the net after Rubin Colwill’s cross caused panic in the visitors’ defence.
If the equaliser sparked feverish celebrations there was total delirium when, in the 100th minute after some pinball from a Joe Ralls corner, O’Dowda steered home with the outside of his left-foot.
Victory leaves Cardiff four points adrift of the play-off places ahead of next week’s south Wales derby at Swansea, when only weeks ago they were looking over their shoulders after a stuttering run of form.
Ipswich were subdued in the first-half but came quickly out of the blocks after half-time, slowly suffocating the hosts.
They broke the deadlock brilliantly through Moore with 11 minutes remaining, but a defeat would have been harsho on Cardiff who were bright and competitive all game.
"The craziest, most compelling promotion fight the Championship has EVER SEEN"
Cardiff City have FOUND the EQUALISER!! 😱 pic.twitter.com/ZLgIr5ex9t
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 9, 2024
Erol Bulut’s side should have gone ahead in the sixth minute when Josh Bowler had his attempt parried back into the six-yard box by Vaclav Kladky but his teammates were unable to pick up the scraps.
On multiple occasions Kladky had his work cut out with long range efforts from Karlan Grant and Bowler forcing the Czech to pull off some strong saves.
Cardiff had an appeal for a handball denied after Jeremy Sarmiento blocked Grant’s long-range attempt with his upper body in the 17th minute.
The Tractor Boys will now turn their attention to Sheffield Wednesday next Sunday with the aim of lifting their spirits and putting pressure on top two Leeds and Leicester.
As for the Bluebirds they aim to do the league double over rivals Swansea, with the possibility of a play-off spot starting to look less fanciful with every passing week.