Late penalty seals draw for Ipswich

A tense 1-1 draw ends Birmingham City and Ipswich Town’s opening game, with a late Ipswich penalty cancelling Birmingham’s first-half lead.

Birmingham City Ipswich Town draw in Championship opener

Birmingham City edged ahead with a close-range finish from Stansfield after Kyogo’s run and a deflection, lifting the home crowd early in the second half. Ipswich Town hit back in stoppage time when Dykes was adjudged to have handled the ball, forcing a spot kick that Hirst converted to earn a point for the visitors. The game finished 1-1 after a frantic finale that included added time and several contentious moments, with both sides pushing for a winner.

Ipswich then dominated in spells, enjoying long passages of possession after the goal and making late changes to add punch up front. Kyogo produced an influential cameo with an assist and a debatable goal on debut, while Birmingham’s defence withstood heavy pressure before the late penalty altered the result. The match delivered the season’s first real tempo, leaving both camps with positives and questions in equal measure.

This opener shows how early momentum can swing on a single moment. Birmingham started brighter and found a page-turning moment through Stansfield, signaling intent under pressure to start the season well. Ipswich answered with patient build‑up and a sharp reminder that pace and persistence can wear down a lead. The late penalty exposes a familiar risk for teams: one moment of hesitation in the box can redefine a game. Kyogo’s debut night added a subplot of excitement and risk, suggesting Ipswich’s risk‑reward strategy may hinge on his creative bursts and the team’s ability to defend under sustained pressure.

Highlights

Momentum is fragile in the Championship, and this night proved both sides have work to do to convert chances into wins.