A Town reserve side lost 3-2 in a behind-closed-doors friendly with MLS side the Colorado Rapids at the Arsenal Training Centre on Tuesday afternoon. Owen Garvan netted the Blues' first goal with Jordan Rhodes scoring the second from the spot.

Rapids midfielder Rafael Gomes opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, Garvan equalising just before the hour mark, but Nick LaBrocca put the Americans back in front soon afterwards.

Handball led to Jordan Rhodes netting his obligatory goal, but with 16 minutes remaining Jovan Kirovski hit the winner.

Meanwhile, boss Jim Magilton has called on the Portman Road faithful to play their part in helping the Blues back into the Premier League: "I'm on record many times as saying what fantastic fans we have at this football club.

"They have played their part in our good record at Portman Road this season and, when they are in full voice, they can make this place a very difficult one for the opposition to come to.

"The support we have enjoyed on our travels has also been magnificent and they have lifted the players when they needed lifting.

"This club deserves success because of the backing the fans provide and I'm desperate to help provide it for them.

"They want to be in the Premier League, so do I, so do the players. It's a team effort and it will only be a team effort that gets us there."

Elsewhere, Stoke boss Tony Pulis has confirmed his intention to try to sign Portsmouth's David Nugent on loan: "If there's an area that we need another player, it is up front. I understand at the minute that he's not fit so we would have to wait for that to clear.”

Town pulled out of their attempt to sign the former Preston man earlier in the week after failing to hear one way or the other whether the England international was interested in a spell at Portman Road.

Reserves: Lewis Ward, Fabian Wilnis, Sito, Liam Trotter, Fabian Wilnis, Chris Casement, Ed Upson, Gavin Williams, Jordan Rhodes, Owen Garvan and Alan Quinn. Subs (all used): Kurt Robinson, Jai Reason, Ronan Murray, David Cawley and Michael Synnott.

Photo: Action Images

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