KEANE PLEASE Will power keeps Ipswich just alive and kicking

they rescued a point to confirm they are up for the fight.

Town trailed at half-time to James Mcclean’s opener for the Potters ( below) but refused to throw in the towel.

Alan Judge sent a free-kick crashing against the bar before former Manchester United youngster Keane struck at the death.

He pounced in the second minute of s t oppa g e time to r e s cue a point with his second

goa l since arriving on loan from Hull last month. Keane climbed high above the visitors’ defence to meet Judge’s corner and plant a firm downward header past Jack Butland.

Lambert, who could not prevent Stoke’s relegation from the Premier League last season, still has a massive fight on his hands. But he said: “There was nothing in the game and I thought we were excellent.

“We were relentless in the second half and the draw was no more than we deserved.

“Nobody could begrudge us the point. We were bang at it and the support we are getting is unbelievable.

“The players never hide. They are playing under incredible tension but the fans are helping us, they are firmly onside. When you’re sitting bottom of the table, it’s incredible.”

Stoke were gifted the lead before the break when the home defence got in a terrible tangle. Bartosz Bialkowski came off his line to gather but was stranded in no man’s land.

Jonas Knudsen’s back header, intended for the keeper, allowed James Mcclean a tap-in for his first goal since August.

Stoke had other first- half scoring chances, Tom Ince and Sam Vokes both missing the target from close range.

Boss Nathan Jones said: “It’s disappointing to be denied the win because I didn’t think we had any problems all afternoon.

“We looked solid and we defended well – these are the positives – but we have to be a little bit better in both boxes.”

Ipswich might even have earned a rare win had full-back Myles Kenlock and sub Kayden Jackson not fluffed decent chances.