Hughton fears tough finish after Jay strike

A STUNNING equaliser by Ipswich substitute Jay Emmanuel-thomas leaves Birmingham still needing a point to secure a play- off place.

City boss Chris Hughton saw Scottish winger Chris Burke fire his side ahead in first-half stoppage time with his 14th goal of the season. But Ipswich roared back and the introduction of Emmauel-thomas proved decisive.

Hughton said: ‘We’re close and I’m desperate for this group of players to get over the line. We still have two very tough games against Brighton and Reading to come.’

Ipswich went close to an equaliser early in the second half but Michael Chopra headed over. Then Emmanuel-thomas, on for Jason Scotland in the 64th minute, changed the game. His shot from the edge of the area looked destined for the net but team-mate Lee Martin stuck out a foot and only succeeded in diverting the ball over. Emmanuel-thomas beat Doyle with a long-range shot which hit the bar but he found his range in the 75th minute, cutting in and firing a ferocious shot in off a post from 15 yards. Aaron Cresswell then made a matchsaving goal-line clearance to deny Nikola Zigic.

Ipswich boss Paul Jewell said: ‘We showed a great deal of character to come back. We used to be a soft touch but we’ve toughened up a lot and when Emmanuel-thomas is in that form he’s a very difficult opponent.

‘Our job is to nurture his talent and make him a player who delivers consistently.’