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Reserves 9-0 Oxford Utd - Ipswich Town News

Trialist Njazi Kuqi netted a hat-trick and virtually everyone else was also on the scoresheet as the reserves hammered Oxford United 9-0 at Playford Road. Dean Bowditch netted twice and Ed Upson, James Krause, Ian Miller and Darryl Knights also scored.

Kuqi, the younger brother of former Blue Shefki, scored twice as Town went in 4-0 up at the break, Dean Bowditch and Edward Upson having added the other two goals.

New signing Ian Miller scored his first reserves goal in only his third appearance, then unattached former Birmingham striker Kuqi completed his hat-trick in the 55th minute before being replaced with Darryl Knights.

Kuqi, who previously played in Richard Naylor's testimonial, has been without a club since falling out with Dutch side Groningen over contract issues last month.

Bowditch netted his second of the afternoon to make it seven, James Krause hit Town's eighth and Darryl Knights added the ninth in the final minute.

There were excellent performances all over the pitch in a game refereed by Premiership official Dermot Gallagher, recently suspended from top flight duty for failing to red card Ben Thatcher for his horror challenge on Pedro Mendez.

Kuqi and Bowditch combined well up front, Martin Brittain sent in some fine crosses and Miller again impressed at the centre of the defence. Young midfielders Edward Upson and Jai Reason also did well playing 45 minutes each, Upson scoring and Reason missing a chance to emulate his academy colleague in the second half.

The entire Town coaching staff were present including boss Jim Magilton.

Reserves: Shane Supple, Michael Synnott, Scott Barron (James Krause 70), Sammy Moore, Ian Miller, Chris Casement, Martin Brittain, Edward Upson (Jai Reason 46), Dean Bowditch, Njazi Kuqi (Darryl Knights 65), Jaime Peters. Unused subs: Andrew Plummer, Russell Short.

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