Ipswich Salvages Late Point in Championship Opener Against Birmingham
Ipswich Town kicked off their 2025/26 Championship campaign with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Birmingham City, thanks to a stoppage-time penalty that salvaged a crucial point on the road.
Birmingham, fresh from their promotion as League One champions, took the lead in the 53rd minute when Jay Stansfield capitalized on a rebound after Kyogo Furuhashi’s shot hit the post. Furuhashi, a fan favorite from his time at Celtic, showcased his attacking prowess, setting up the opening goal for the hosts.
The match saw Birmingham dominate possession and territory, extending their impressive unbeaten home league streak to 26 games. However, with only a one-goal advantage, they faced the ever-present threat of an equalizer from Ipswich, who were eager to bounce back after their relegation from the Premier League.
As the match approached its conclusion, Ipswich managed to create a rare opportunity. In the fifth minute of eight added on, a corner kick aimed at the far post resulted in controversy. The ball struck the arm of Birmingham’s Lyndon Dykes, who appeared to have his arm raised. After consulting with his assistant, referee Andrew Kitchen awarded a penalty to Ipswich.
George Hirst stepped up to take the penalty and confidently converted, leveling the score and sending the traveling Ipswich fans into a frenzy. The equalizer sparked a heated reaction from the Birmingham supporters, leading to objects being thrown onto the pitch in frustration.
Ultimately, the match concluded in a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams with a point to start the season.
Ipswich will look to build on this momentum as they aim for an immediate return to the Premier League, while Birmingham will seek to refine their game following a promising but ultimately frustrating opener.
