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Patrick Bamford's (right) equaliser was his 10th goal in his last 13 appearances for Boro

Patrick Bamford's 97th-minute equaliser earned Middlesbrough a fifth-place finish in the Championship and a play-off semi-final against Aston Villa.

Middlesbrough were already sure of a play-off place, but they looked like dropping to sixth after trailing twice.

A Freddie Sears strike put the hosts ahead and, after Stewart Downing's low shot saw Boro level, Martyn Waghorn's penalty restored Town's lead.

But Bamford's header ensured the visitors finished above Derby.

The Rams thumped Barnsley 4-1, a result which, along with Bolton's dramatic late win over Nottingham Forest, ensured the Tykes were relegated.

Sears ran through and coolly finished to open the scoring on an entertaining afternoon that saw 44 efforts on goal at a sun-baked Portman Road.

Downing's low effort shot from the edge of the area drew Boro level with 19 minutes left only for Waghorn's spot-kick after Shane McLoughlin was felled by Ben Gibson.

But Bamford's last-gasp intervention means that Boro will face Villa rather than Fulham in the play-offs.

Ipswich caretaker manager Bryan Klug:

"They could not have given us any more. I thought the effort was fantastic.

"At the end of the day it would have been nice to win but you can't deny that Middlesbrough played their part in a fantastic game.

"Our goalie had to make some fantastic saves and there were blocks, but we did at times play some good football and that was the pleasing thing.

Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis:

"If you had given me a play-off position when I took over the football club I wouldn't have cared who we were playing so I can't be judgmental or care or worry about who it is.

"We have got Villa who most probably have the strongest squad in the Championship and it will be a real tough game. They will be big favourites I'm sure."