Bialkowski Off as Reserves Lose at Luton - Ipswich Town News
Goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski was red-carded on his first appearance in a Town shirt as Luton's reserves defeated the Blues' second string 4-1 at Kenilworth Road. The Polish keeper, on loan from Southampton, handled the ball outside the area in an incident the referee deemed to be an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
The Polish U21 international misjudged a long ball in the 48th minute and handled beyond the penalty box as he tried to nod clear. Danny Haynes was sacrificed to allow Lewis Ward to take over in goal.
Bialkowski now faces a one-match ban from reserve fixtures but under FA rules Town will be able to continue to name him as a sub for first team fixtures.
At the time, the Blues were a goal in front, Luton defender Ian Roper having headed past his own keeper in the 26th minute under pressure from Danny Haynes.
Town were much the better side in the first half with Jaime Peters and Matt Richards the Blues' top performers.
After the red card, Town rather fell apart with replacement keeper Ward conceding four times, including a Tom Eastman own goal, and the result flattered the home side over the full 90 minutes.
Reserves: Bialkowski, Clemo, Ainsley, Eastman, Richards, Peters, Daniels (Griffiths 46), Cawley, Lambe (Murray 75), Bowditch, Haynes (Ward 49). Unused: Watson, Meekings.
Thanks to Andy Pearl.
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