Town's reserves lost 1-0 to Chelsea at Portman Road on Monday evening. A Jimmy Smith freekick in the 72nd minute won the game for the Londoners who are coached by former Town assistant manager Mick McGiven.

Jay McEveley continued his return to fitness after his medial knee ligament injury, playing the full 90 minutes.

Town's best opportunity fell to Billy Clarke, perhaps in with a chance of a first team appearance at the weekend with Ricardo Fuller leaving the club, but the Irish youngster blazed over the bar. Earlier, Gerard Nash had headed over the bar and Chris Casement had also gone close.

Lewis Price made a good save from Jimmy Smith early on but was eventually beaten by the same player 18 minutes from the end via a stunning curling freekick which went in off the post.

Boston scouts were present keeping an eye on released defender/midfielder Scott Mitchell, while the Blues gave 22 minutes to Lawrie Wilson, the defender currently on trial from Charlton.

Reserves: Price, Mitchell (Wilson 68), McEveley, Skard, Casement, Nash, Peters (Leabon 79), Lordan, McDonald, Clarke, Haynes (Knights 56). Unused: Pétursson, Short.

Photo: Action Images

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