Championship Update: Ipswich And Hull Close Ground On Middlesbrough As Swansea Draw

Add as a preferred source on Google

Ipswich Town and Hull City tightened the Championship promotion race on 24 February 2026, cutting into Middlesbrough’s position as Kieran McKenna’s side won at Watford and Liam Rosenior’s team beat Derby County, while Kim Hellberg’s Middlesbrough dropped more points in a tense home draw with Leicester City.

Middlesbrough’s 1-1 stalemate with Leicester extended a winless spell to three Championship matches and opened the door for rivals. Coventry City now have the chance to move five points above Middlesbrough if they defeat Sheffield United on Wednesday, increasing pressure on Hellberg’s squad in the automatic promotion battle.

Ipswich Town moved within three points of second place after a 2-0 victory at Watford, and also hold two games in hand on Middlesbrough. Sindre Walle Egeli struck in the first half and George Hirst added the second, before Christian Walton saved Tom Ince’s late penalty to preserve a clean sheet.

That defeat was Ed Still’s first loss as Watford head coach and underlined Ipswich’s strong away form. The visitors controlled long spells, limited Watford’s clear chances and showed composure when Ince stepped up from the spot, with Walton’s stop maintaining Ipswich’s momentum in the Championship promotion picture.

At the Riverside Stadium, Leicester City struck first when Caleb Okoli beat Luke Ayling to Divine Mukasa’s free-kick and headed past Sol Brynn in the 18th minute. Middlesbrough responded in first-half stoppage time, punishing Okoli after a turnover triggered a swift counter-attack from Hellberg’s side.

That break ended with Tommy Conway cutting the ball back for Riley McGree, who finished calmly for the equaliser. Both teams created further chances after the interval but lacked clinical edge. The draw left Leicester frustrated after leading, and Middlesbrough aware they avoided a heavier setback in the Championship standings.

Championship results boost Hull, Swansea and Southampton

Hull City stayed three points behind second place after a 4-2 win over Derby County, in a contest that was level at 2-2 with 15 minutes left. John Egan finished a flowing move to restore Hull’s advantage, then Lewis Koumas scored six minutes from time to close out the match.

Swansea City drew 1-1 with Preston North End as Liam Cullen scored a 95th-minute equaliser in front of co-owner Snoop Dogg, who watched the team live for the first time at Swansea.com Stadium. Daniel Jebbison’s volley looked decisive until Cullen met Gustavo Nunes’ cross, sparking loud celebrations from the home support.

Southampton also impressed in the Championship, beating Queens Park Rangers 5-0 as Kuryu Matsuki scored a first league brace. Southampton have now taken four wins and two draws from their last six games, a run that leaves them four points behind sixth-placed Wrexham in the chase for play-off spots.

Recent numbers highlight Ipswich Town’s strong Championship position. They have won four of their last five league trips to Watford, losing only once in that sequence. McKenna’s team have also been beaten just once in 10 midweek fixtures, with six wins and four draws, and winning those two games in hand would move them above Middlesbrough.