Keane savours winning start with Ipswich

Roy Keane admitted his debut victory as Ipswich boss brought the feel-good factor back to the Championship club.

Keane made a shock return to management with the Portman Road outfit this week and enjoyed the perfect start as Town ran out 3-0 winners at Cardiff on Saturday.

The former Manchester United star believes his players’ confident display proves he was right to get back into the game after his acrimonious departure from Sunderland earlier this season.

“I have had a good feeling in the short time I have been at Ipswich as the players have responded and we want to finish the season on a high and not just go through the motions,” Keane said.

“I was very, very relaxed at 3-0 but when it was 0-0 and they had a penalty it was very different.”

Keane had a stroke of luck when Ross McCormack’s penalty was saved by Richard Wright in the first half. Pablo Counago helped Ipswich take advantage when he struck in the 34th minute.

David Norris then grabbed the second early in the 51st minute before Jon Stead added a late third as Cardiff, who were playing their last league game at Ninian Park after 99 years, missed out on the point they needed to secure a play-off place and now must wait to the final weekend to learn their fate.

At Oakwell, already-promoted Wolverhampton sealed the Championship crown but boss Mick McCarthy revealed the occasion was tinged with sadness.

McCarthy’s side fell behind in the 58th minute following good work from Daniel Bogdanovic, whose scuffed shot fell to Jon Macken and the striker scored at the second attempt.

But Wolves equalised with six minutes remaining as Kyel Reid was left unmarked at the far post and smashed home a low shot from Matt Jarvis’ cross to spark wild celebrations among the travelling fans who poured onto the pitch at full-time.

The result means Barnsley could be relegated next weekend and McCarthy – who was born in the town and played over 300 games for the Tykes – is hoping they can survive.

“It is a little bit sombre for me because I hope Barnsley stay up. I hope it is enough for them to stay up though,” McCarthy said.

“But let me make it clear I am delighted to have clinched the title and the players deserve it.”

Birmingham wasted a chance to join Wolves in the Premier League after crashing to a 2-1 home defeat against Preston.

A victory would have sent Birmingham into the top flight and they led through Keith Fahey’s 57th minute goal.

However, Birmingham’s Lee Bowyer and Preston’s Lee Williamson were sent off for violent conduct in the 60th minute.

Then Preston equalised in the 69th minute through Paul McKenna and Ross Wallace hit a superb 89th minute winner.

Birmingham will still go up if they win their last match at Reading next Sunday.

Sheffield United remain in the hunt for promtion after beating Swansea 1-0 at Bramall Lane.

It was Dave Cotterill’s 37th minute penalty which moved United within one point of Birmingham.

Sixth placed Burnley drew 2-2 at Southampton. Owen Coyle’s team confirmed Southampton’s relegation when Clarke Carlisle grabbed a 67th minute goal to draw the visitors level for the second time.

Elsewhere, Derby beat relegated Charlton 1-0, Doncaster saw off Crystal Palace 2-0 and Watford defeated Coventry 3-2.

Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 at Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday drew 1-1 at Bristol City and QPR shared a goalless draw with Plymouth.