Rotherham 2-2 Ipswich: Remarkable late comeback from Rotherham saves them a point – but Matt Taylor’s side remain in the bottom three
Much has been made of Ipswich’s dramatic rise under Kieran McKenna, but they were denied victory by Christ Tiehi’s stunning late leveler as they struggled against Rotherham tonight.
With three minutes remaining, McKenna’s upwardly mobile Tractor Boys were on course for a win that would have moved them to within a point of Championship leaders Leicester.
After Town captain Sam Morsy canceled out Sam Nombe’s early opener in the 31st minute, the visitors led in the 87th minute through substitute Jack Taylor.
Still, the drama wasn’t over yet as Tiehi fired home from the edge of the 18-yard box in the first minute of extra time, sparking wild celebrations in the home stands.
Ultimately a draw was a fair result, but during the opening exchanges Rotherham looked prepared to tip their hat to McKenna, who tossed the ball around with a swagger.
Ipswich Town’s George Hirst battles for possession with Rotherham United’s Daniel Ayala
Jack Taylor celebrates after scoring what he thinks was the match winner
Yet Rotherham led from nowhere in the fourth minute when Fred Onyedinma stole possession from Town left-back Leif Davis through the right channel.
Onyedinma then showed impressive strength and desire to drive forward and deliver a dangerous low cross, with Nombe on hand to fire home from inside the six-yard box.
Nombe’s first goal at Rotherham instilled confidence in Matt Taylor’s side and suggested that, if they backed themselves, they might be good enough to produce a shock result.
Although Ipswich created half-chances, Rotherham continued to threaten at the other end in a rearranged match after the original fixture on October 19 was postponed due to heavy rain.
Tiehi then saw a rising strike from 25 yards narrowly clear the crossbar before Ipswich equalized in the 19th minute with a move straight from the training ground.
Davis’ short free-kick on the right flank found Morsy, unmarked 20 yards from goal, and the Town captain curled a beautiful right-foot shot into Viktor Johansson’s top left corner.
In the 34th minute, Ipswich striker George Hirst went down after a challenge from Hakeem Odoffin, but referee Graham Scott remained unmoved.
Christ Tiehi of Rotherham United celebrates his equalizer in the 92nd minute at the end of the match
Rotherham substitute Sean Morrison headed wastefully wide in the 66th minute as half-chances came and went for both sides.
After Taylor bundled home a Davis cross, there was still time for Tiehi to smash home a stunning strike from the edge of the 18-yard box for his first goal in Rotherham colours.