Ed Upson scored twice and Jordan Rhodes once as Town's reserves defeated Stevenage Borough 3-0 at Broadhall Way on Wednesday evening.

Rhodes put the Blues in front from close range in the 24th minute with Upson, Town's man of the match by some distance, netting the second four minutes later. The 18-year-old scored the third just after the break.

The Blues gave trialist Charlie Barnett the full 90 minutes in the centre of the midfield and the former Liverpool trainee looked skilful and made one or two clever passes, but without ever overshadowing the likes of Upson and Liam Trotter, who was also impressive.

Academy first-year scholar Jack Ainsley, usually a striker, was once again excellent when utilised at centre-half alongside Chris Casement, with Tommy Smith out with a knee injury at present.

The Blues second string are top of the Pontin's Holidays Football Combination League East Division having won all six of their games so far and look odds-on to defend the title they won last season.

Reserves: Shane Supple, Sito (Joe Clemo 70), Kurt Robinson, Charlie Barnett, Jack Ainsley, Chris Casement, Edward Upson, Liam Trotter, Jordan Rhodes, Jai Reason (Paul Murphy 70), Jaime Peters. Unused: Lewis Ward, Reggie Lambe, Liam Barrett.

Photo: Action Images

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