Azor Matusiwa’s stunning second‑half strike earned Ipswich Town a crucial 1–0 win over Hull City on a night where Kieran McKenna became the fastest manager in club history to reach 100 victories.
The Dutch midfielder smashed home his first goal for the club in the 71st minute, sealing a deserved victory in front of 26,103 supporters and lifting the Blues back up to third in the Championship table.
McKenna reached his century in just 210 matches, beating Sir Alf Ramsey’s long‑standing record.
Ipswich controlled the opening 45 minutes with authority, dictating possession and tempo while limiting Hull to rare counter-attacks.
George Hirst forced Ivor Pandur into a sharp save at the near post, whilst Sindre Walle Egeli and Marcelino Núñez both threatened from distance.
Jack Taylor came closest with a low effort that skimmed past the upright as Town pushed for the breakthrough their dominance deserved.
Hull offered occasional danger through Liam Millar, but their final ball repeatedly let them down.
The visitors’ time‑wasting tactics, particularly from Pandur, frustrated the home crowd, and Lewie Coyle’s lengthy treatment stoppage only added to the tension.
Despite holding over 70% possession, Ipswich went into the break level, having controlled the half but without finding the cutting edge required.
Hull introduced Ollie McBurnie at the restart, but Ipswich continued to assert themselves.
After a brief stoppage caused by a drone, Town increased the pressure, with Jack Clarke, Marcelino Núñez, and Jack Taylor all going close.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 71st minute when Leif Davis recycled a loose ball and teed up Matusiwa, who unleashed a thunderous strike into the roof of the net, his first goal for the club and a moment that electrified Portman Road.
Clarke nearly doubled the lead moments later, denied twice by Pandur before striking the woodwork. Hull pushed late on, but Ipswich defended resolutely to secure a third consecutive clean sheet.
The final whistle brought a huge roar as McKenna celebrated his 100th win in just 210 games, the fastest in club history.
Christian Walton; Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea (c), Cedric Kipré, Jacob Greaves (Leif Davis 57); Azor Matusiwa, Jack Taylor (Anis Mehmeti 66); Sindre Walle Egeli (Wes Burns 57), Marcelino Núñez (Dan Neil 78), Jack Clarke; George Hirst (Ivan Azón 78). Unused: Alex Palmer, Jens Cajuste, Kasey McAteer, Chuba Akpom.
Ivor Pandur; Lewie Coyle (c) (Aji Akin Famewo 42), Alfie Hughes, John Egan (Amir Hadziahmetovic 73), Paddy McNair; Cody Drameh, Regan Slater, Matt Crooks (John Lundstram 66); Joe Gelhardt (Ollie McBurnie 46), Liam Millar (Kyle Joseph 66), Lewis Koumas. Unused: Matt Phillips, Semi Ajayi, Kieran Dowell, Ryan McCarthy.
Christian Walton – 7, Darnell Furlong – 7, Dara O’Shea – 8, Cedric Kipré – 7, Jacob Greaves – 7, Azor Matusiwa – 9 (MOTM), Jack Taylor – 7, Sindre Walle Egeli – 6, Marcelino Núñez – 7, Jack Clarke – 7, George Hirst – 8 Subs: Wes Burns – 7, Leif Davis – 7, Anis Mehmeti – 6, Ivan Azón – 6, Dan Neil – 6
