Kevin Schade kept Brentford in the hunt for a European finish, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town in the Premier League at Portman Road.

Schade netted the winner in the 18th minute in brilliant fashion, guiding a header up and over Alex Palmer from Bryan Mbeumo's pinpoint delivery.

Mbeumo then saw a low shot blocked on the stroke of half-time, with Mikel Damsgaard unable to profit on the follow-up, sending it just wide.

Brentford had penalty appeals turned down on either side of half-time as Ipswich struggled to go up against the Bees' strength, with the on-field decision upheld after a video assistant referee (VAR) review on both occasions.

The Tractor Boys ramped up the pressure as they pushed for an equaliser in the dying minutes, but to no avail.

George Hirst dragged a good chance wide from distance before Mark Flekken tipped Omari Hutchinson's drilled shot on to the post.

The goalkeeper then made a superb save to keep out Cameron Burgess' first-time close-range volley in stoppage time.

The result takes Thomas Frank's side up to eighth on the table on 55 points, above Brighton and Hove Albion on goal difference, and two ahead of Bournemouth, which lost to Aston Villa later in the day.

Brentford could be playing in Europe for the first time in its history, and while Frank is thrilled about that prospect, he stressed that his side must take each game as it comes.

"Of course that is extremely exciting," the Dane said.

"There is a lot riding on the next few games, but let's see what happens, depending on other things. It is one game at a time and the next one is Fulham."

Frank was not surprised by Ipswich's battling performance, despite their relegation being confirmed a few weeks ago.

He said: "I think it was exactly as tough as I expected and it showed how hard it is to win four games in a row in the Premier League.

"Ipswich performed well, they are clearly still fighting hard for everything."

Mbeumo has been touted for a move in the summer, with even team-mate Christian Norgaard hinting that his exit may be on the cards, but Frank remained tight-lipped on the matter.

"Bryan is a Brentford player," he said. "I love that he is playing here for Brentford. I don't know any manager who doesn't want their best players playing on the pitch."

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, meanwhile, was delighted by the character and commitment shown by his side and believes it could be integral ahead of its promotion push next season in the EFL Championship.

He said to BBC Sport: "The spirit has been there in abundance.

"We haven't given up and that is going to be really important for the next stage of the journey. 

"The players gave everything and we competed well against one of the form sides in the league."