Crawley manager Steve Evans has revealed that the Blues will face the Red Devils for a second time this pre-season, in a behind-closed-doors game during his club's training camp next week.

Evans told their club site: “Thanks to Ipswich Town boss Jim Magilton we will also play them again in a closed doors match at our training camp next Thursday, with that and Southend United to come the boys will just about be ready."

The former Boston boss, a close friend of Town keeper coach Andy Rhodes, was pleased with Tuesday's friendly: “I extend my thanks to Jim Magilton and everyone at Ipswich Town for what was an excellent evening. They are an excellent club and more importantly they employ superb people.

“The match against such a strong Ipswich Town team will serve us in good stead. For the first hour, we more than held our own and the quality in our play was excellent.

“You could tell as the game went on, the Ipswich boys had a number of games under their belt whereas we have only had MK Dons and a closed door match at Queen's Park Rangers.

“Jim Magilton has put together a superb squad of players and the likes of Miller, Legwinski, Lee and Couñago are top class. My young players will have not only benefited from the match, but also playing against very good players.

“For the first hour we had a decent shape, some excellent individual performances while our fitness levels are getting better."

Meanwhile, former Town loanee and possible summer target Matt Bates failed to complete his first comeback game for Middlesbrough at Darlington last night.

The defender, back after the serious knee injury which ended his spell with the Blues last season, twisted awkwardly and dropped to the ground pointing at his knee before being substituted.

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