Saturday 22 November 2014 19:21, UK
Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy watched his side secure an impressive 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Dean Court, before declaring the Cherries nailed-on title contenders.
Yann Kermorgant looked to have set the hosts on their way to a fifth home win in a row when he acrobatically fired home an effort after just two minutes.
But the Tractor Boys' twice came from behind to earn a point with second-half goals from Teddy Bishop and Daryl Murphy cancelling out the efforts of Kermorgant and Matt Ritchie.
McCarthy said: "They were on fire from the start and it caused us problems, but we worked our way back into the game.
"If you get a point away from home it's a good point. I would take a point without getting off the bus because of how competitive this league is.
"Today's result is great for us because it is nailed on that they will finish top six minimum and will be fighting for promotion.
"I won't have this little old Bournemouth routine because if you come down here with that attitude you will get a slap.
"They have got a team of real hard nosed players and they have spent a few bob on getting that.
"Andrew Surman is as good as any other player in this division and they have spent big money on Callum Wilson.
"They are a really, really good team and we have worked hard for our result today."
Ipswich were caught napping in the opening 20 minutes and could have found themselves cast adrift if not for the impressive Bartosz Bialkowski.
Bialkowski twice denied Ritchie in the opening minutes of the game before McCarthy's side put on a vastly improved second half performance to take a share of the spoils.
But Cherries' boss Eddie Howe felt that his side should have had a penalty when striker Tokelo Rantie was brought down in the box before being stretchered off with a suspected dislocated shoulder.
Howe said: "For me it's a clear cut penalty and for me he (Rantie) looked electric. He stepped inside, beat two players and he is brought down.
"I'm surprised that the ref hasn't pointed to the spot because he was in a great position to see it.
"I think the man in the middle had a very tough afternoon. I think their second goal was initially a free kick on Simon Francis first but it has gone the other way.
"I think we made a great start and we looked in great form and looked like we would carry on our good run.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the team and I think the only thing that was missing was the goals.
"I think it was one of our very best performances of the season - just not result wise."
