Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg was left to reflect on “an unbelievable game of football” after seeing his drop two points at promotion rivals Ipswich Town.

Town’s leading scorer Jack Clarke fired home from the spot in the 87th minute after referee Jarred Gillett adjudged Adilson Malanda had tugged back substitute George Hirst in the area.

Middlesbrough went ahead through David Strelec, only for Kasey McAteer to equalise five minutes later.

The visitors went back in front through Tommy Conway’s goal in the 64th minute, but Clarke’s leveller took the Tractor Boys up to second, above Millwall on goal difference, one point in front of Southampton and three ahead of Boro.

Middlesbrough's Morgan Whittaker is challenged by Ipswich Town's Darnell Furlong (Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

placeholder image — Middlesbrough's Morgan Whittaker is challenged by Ipswich Town's Darnell Furlong (Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Hellberg felt his side had the better of the chances.

Hellberg said: “It was an unbelievable game of football over 98 minutes, back and forth to press and to play out, and it was one of the best games from the Championship.

“It was back and forth trying to be aggressive, brave teams.

“I think we had more chances than them over the 90 minutes. Of course we don’t win, but I think that is the most impressive thing with so many players away that have been key players for us.

“During the first half they were a little bit better than us and we were better in the second half.

“We go against a very, very good team and we looked like ourselves all the time.

“We tried to press, we tried to solve it and I’m very impressed by that, but also during a tough time in terms of the result not having gone our way.”