x

U18s Lose Derby - Ipswich Town News

Town's U18s fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of their East Anglian rivals Norwich City at Colney on Saturday morning.

The Blues made the better start and Norwich keeper Steven Arnold was forced into making a double save early on.

Efforts from Luke Webster and Jordan Rhodes almost gave Town the lead but they fell behind on 34 minutes. Jaime Eames received a ball from Kris Renton and he whipped in an inviting cross that Kurtis Byrne fired past Town keeper Andrew Plummer.

Plummer made a one-on-one save from Daley before a poor kick from the keeper almost resulted in a goal when Ross Kelly's long-range effort landed just wide of the Town goal.

Rhodes, still not quite back to his best after his injury, came close again with a curling shot, but with seven minutes remaining the Canaries doubled their advantage and made sure of the three points. Byrne threaded Kris Renton through on goal who coolly finished past Plummer.

Town's outstanding performer was central defender Tommy Smith, while star midfielder Edward Upson was left on the bench with a sore back.

The Town U18s fall a place in the table after Crystal Palace shocked league leaders Chelsea by beating them 4-3. Chelsea had previously got a 100% record. Town are now fifth in their academy group, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Town's U16s lost 3-1 to the Canaries, Irish striker Paul Murphy netting for the Blues.

Norwich U18s: Arnold , Matthews, O'Toole, McLean, Quaye, Kerry, Eames, Lathorpe, Renton (Muddel 88), Byrne and Daley (Smart 72). Unused: Miller.

Ipswich U18s: Plummer, Webster, Robinson, Fenn, Smith, Short, Williams, Reason, Boto (Ainsley 67), Rhodes (Tooms 72) and Nimmo. Unused: Upson.

What to read next:

[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.
Blue Action Coach Greeting Ahead of Huddersfield
Town independent supporters group Blue Action are are staging another of their coach greetings ahead of Saturday’s vital home game against Huddersfield Town at Portman Road.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Coventry City 1-2 Ipswich Town - Extended Gallery
Photos from last night's win against Coventry at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Robins: I Think They've Been Fantastic
Coventry City boss Mark Robins was full of praise for Town following his side’s 2-1 home defeat to the Blues, which took Kieran McKenna’s men to within a point of promotion to the Premier League.
Morsy: We Showed Resilience
Town captain Sam Morsy highlighted the squad’s resilience after the Blues moved to within one point of promotion to the Premier League with a crucial 2-1 victory over Coventry City.
Coventry City 1-2 Ipswich Town - Highlights
Highlights of last night’s 2-1 victory over Coventry City at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
McKenna: Burns Injury Cramp, Clarke Knee Problem
Town boss Kieran McKenna has confirmed that Wes Burns and Leif Davis, who were both seen limping during this evening's 2-1 victory at Coventry City, have no big issues while Harry Clarke was unavailable for selection due to a knee problem.
McKenna: Up and Down Game, We Know Saturday Will Be Hard-Fought
Town boss Kieran McKenna felt the Blues’ 2-1 win at Coventry, which put his side a point from the Premier League, was an up and down affair with the Blues getting caught up in the game state and the outcome.
Coventry City 1-2 Ipswich Town - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.