Town's U18s staged an incredible comeback in the last 10 minutes to defeat QPR 5-3 at Loftus Road in the third round of the FA Youth Cup. The young Blues were 3-1 down with 10 minutes left but went goal crazy to cement their place in round four, Jordan Rhodes grabbing a hat-trick.

The first half was a fairly even affair but the physically stronger looking home side went two in front via some sharp finishing, the first a well-taken freekick.

Jordan Rhodes netted his first of the evening on 35 to make the score 2-1 at the break. In an end-to-end second half, Rangers regained their two-goal lead and looked set to progress until the Blues scored four times in quick succession.

Ed Upson made the score 3-2 on 80, then Jai Reason levelled five minutes later, Within a minute, Rhodes had added his second of the evening to put the Blues in front for the first time, before completing his hat-trick in injury time.

While Rhodes finished in his usual clinical manner, Bermudian scholar Reggie Lambe was impressive, as were Luke Hyam and sub Billy Clark, an Ipswich-based midfielder not to be confused with the striker with a similar name. Ed Upson and Jai Reason also showed their class in midfield.

Town were without usual central defensive linchpin Tommy Smith, who has a knee injury, while Curtley Williams, the regular U18s skipper, and Nathan Tooms were also unavailable. Keeper Andy Plummer also appeared hampered by a knock with defenders taking the goakicks.

U18s: Andy Plummer, Joe Clemo, Kurt Robinson, Matt Daniels (Paul Murphy 46), Paul Watson, Luke Hyam (Billy Clark 78), Ed Upson, Jai Reason, Jack Ainsley, Jordan Rhodes, Reggie Lambe. Unused: Lewis Ward, Craig Calver, Tom Eastman. Att: 500.

Photo: Action Images

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