IT WAS a day of familiar emotions for these clubs yesterday: Bolton still have high hopes of maintaining their perennial switching of divisions following Michael Johansen's late goal, while Ipswich may well fear a third successive play-off semi-final defeat.

Ipswich were justifiably disappointed not to be awarded a penalty six minutes before the interval when David Johnson was fouled in the area by Mark Fish in clear view of the referee's assistant. But it was Johansen's excellent finish six minutes from time that tilted this tie in Bolton's favour after their third victory of the season over the East Anglian side.

The Danish international, switched to the left flank midway through the second period, came inside, saw Bob Taylor chest down a neat return and then struck a wonderful swerving shot with the outside of his favoured right foot to finally beat Richard Wright.

The Ipswich goalkeeper, who has kept 30 clean sheets this season, had earlier produced a brilliant low save from Per Frandsen's header and Bolton must have thought their luck was out when Neil Cox cracked a 20-yard left-footer against the crossbar.

Ipswich substitute Richard Naylor was sent clear by James Scowcroft but allowed Steve Banks to save just two minutes before the goal which gives Colin Todd's team confidence of making Wembley in their push for a third promotion to the Premiership in five seasons.

Only once in nine years have the team who came closest to gaining automatic promotion to the top flight gone on to prosper in the play-offs but George Burley, whose Ipswich side have to rally from losing out on second spot last week, said: "Even if it had finished 0-0 we still would have had to win at Portman Road on Wednesday night, so nothing has changed in that respect."

Daily Telegraph