Image source: Getty ImagesByGlenn SpellerBBC Sport England1 Hour Ago40 CommentsThe race to secure the second automatic promotion spot in the Championship will be decided by what happens over the next 10 days. Ipswich and Middlesbrough shared a 2-2 tie in a thrilling match at Portman Road, and Ipswich has sneaked into second place on goal differential from Millwall, and one point in front of Southampton. They also have the advantage of having a game left to play. This could be crucial. McKenna said, “We have three games away in six days for the season to finish so it’s going be an incredible effort from all to see if it can come back here [to Portman Road] on the final match.” Ipswich has found life on the roads difficult this season with only eight victories from their 20 matches. They visit Charlton on Monday before heading to West Brom on Saturday, and a potentially-season-deciding game against fourth-placed Southampton Tuesday, 28th April. “We have had periods when we’ve achieved some good results away – we won against the team that will win the league this season but we also know we’ve experienced results against teams who games got away from us,” said the Northern Irishman. “We have shown a lot of progress this season, but to now have to play three away matches in six days will require us to make another step if we are to be successful. “Image source: BBC Sport/Getty ImagesWe need to win the next games – HellbergImage Source: BBC Sport/Getty ImagesFrom two points ahead of Coventry City in mid-February Middlesbrough are now three points behind second place. A seven-game winless streak has left Hellberg’s side as the outsiders for the second spot, behind Ipswich Millwall and Southampton. “We have to win the next two matches to have a chance of playing for automatics or momentum to take us into the play-offs,” Hellberg said after the final whistle. His side had led 2-1 at Portman Road before Jack Clarke’s late goal. “It’s tough because we were tied with everyone else at 88 minutes, but there are still twists in the story.” We’re still in it, but we will wait until the next two matches to see where we stand. “Hellberg was appointed on 26 November after Rob Edwards moved to Wolves. He won his first four games, but an awful run of only four points out of 21 has left the team playing catch-up. The Swede explained that the expectation was for the team to be in the top two positions of the division because they have been very good. “I don’t believe anyone had these expectations at the beginning of the season,” he said. “When I first arrived, I thought we were in a great position. But there were many teams in the same position. We have done well and have built the confidence that we can do it, but we’ve had some tough results. We have also tried to keep our head which is difficult. “The performances can worsen, you have to stop doing what you do well and start doing other things, and we dealt with that. “‘Second place still in play’- Boro boss Hellberg2 hrs agoMcKenna was’surprised by penalty questions’ after Boro draw2 hrs agoMillwall keeping focused – NeilImage Source, BBC Sport/Getty ImagesHaving lost out on the play offs on the last day of last season, there was always the feeling Millwall could make it into the top six. But there is a greater prize in store with three games left. “I think that it’s overwhelmingly good for where we are and how we look at the remaining games,” he said. “The only team that has won more games this year than us is the team that will win the title.” After sweeping aside QPR, the Lions have a trip to 17th place Stoke and games against Leicester or Oxford who could be relegated at that point. Neil told BBC Radio London: “I’ve told the lads that whatever we have to do, is what we must focus on. We can’t influence what happens elsewhere.” “We have Tuesday (at Stoke), and we must do our part. If we don’t, it doesn’t matter. “Southampton, the coming force”Image source, BBC Sport/Getty ImagesWhen Middlesbrough won the Championship in February, Southampton was 14th and 18 points behind. Their 16-game unbeaten streak, which included 13 victories, has not only helped them surpass Boro, but has also seen many back them to take second place. The nature of their late win at Swansea, on Saturday, has only reinforced these feelings. Jo Tessem, a former Saints forward, told BBC Radio Solent: “I think any Championship club facing Southampton, at home or away, would think they were in trouble.” “I think the game is on. I thought we were still a few months away from the play-offs, but I was wrong. Now we’re talking about direct promotions. We have to keep on winning. We just have to keep winning. Related topicsSouthamptonMiddlesbroughMillwallChampionshipFootballIpswich Town
