Reserves Win at Hadleigh - Ipswich Town News
Town collected their first piece of silverware on Saturday afternoon as a youthful reserves side beat Hadleigh United 4-0 to take the Hadleigh Charity Cup. The Blues fielded several of last season's U16s in their squad and also included trialist Neil Johnson.
The early exchanges were even, but in the 22nd minute a low shot from Ronan Murray opened the scoring and sparked a four-goal salvo which effectively killed the match.
Murray had another effort well saved before Reggie Lambe crossed for Ed Upson to fire a crisp shot low into the net from the edge of the area.
A Seb Dunbar freekick which was deflected into the net by a Hadleigh defender and a close range finish by Tom Eastman from a Jamie Griffiths freekick gave the scoreline a rather flattering look.
To their credit, Hadleigh battled back and keeper Benstead made two fine saves from Upson and Murray before a header from Leon Ottley-Gooch grazed the Town crossbar on the brink of half-time.
The second half was something of an anti-climax as both sides made numerous changes. Northern Irish U16 international Josh Carson looked the pick of Town's eight substitutions with some neat touches.
Ronan Murray with a shot which struck a post and an effort from Sam Brandon which cannoned off the bar were the closest Ipswich came to extending their lead.
On this showing the Brettsiders can look forward with confidence to their first season in the Ridgeon Premier League.
Reserves: McLoughlin, Ainsley, Dunbar, Upson, Brown, Eastman, Cawley, Hyam, Murray, Griffiths, Lambe Subs. Bennett, Brandon, Clark, Carson, Burk, McKeown, Meekings, Johnson.
Thanks to Paddy Lillistone for the report.
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