Saints handed boost as Ipswich drop more points in automatic promotion race

SAINTS' automatic promotion hopes have been boosted after Ipswich Town dropped more points in a 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough.

Jack Clarke's second-half penalty rescued a point for the Tractor Boys at Portman Road, seeing them return to second in the Championship.

However, the draw leaves Ipswich just a point ahead of Saints, and level on 76 with Millwall, although they still have a game in hand over the rest.

Saints host Ipswich on Tuesday, April 28, in a game that could decide who finishes second behind Coventry City, who sealed promotion on Friday evening.

Third-place Millwall were 3-0 winners against QPR in one of Saturday's early kick-offs, ending their two-game winless run. Boro are now three points short of second.

Tonda Eckert's Southampton face Bristol City at St Mary's on Tuesday evening, and will extend their unbeaten run to 20 games if they avoid defeat.

Saints head to Preston North End on the final day of the season, while they also have an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on Saturday.