x

U18s Defeat Fulham - Ipswich Town News

Town's U18s got back to winning ways with a fine 3-2 victory over Fulham at Playford Road on Saturday morning. Josh Meekings (pictured), Cormac Burke and Jack Simmons were on target for the young Blues.

Town started well and Welsh U17 international striker Jack Simmons blazed over early on. The first half was a fairly even affair but it ended on a sour note when Fulham skipper Josh Pritchard had to be stretchered off after he had fouled Byron Lawrence.

The Cottagers came out strongly for the second half and took the lead within two minutes of the restart. Alex Brister curled in a freekick to the back post where centre-half Robert Maloney beat keeper Cody Cropper with a powerful header.

The dangerous Brister came close to doubling Fulham's advantage soon after when his looping header rebounded off the crossbar.

Town started to come back into the match with Northern Ireland U21 international midfielder Josh Carson and Simmons both having powerful efforts which were well saved by Grant Smith in the Fulham goal.

With 20 minutes remaining, Town did score a deserved equaliser when central defender Josh Meekings headed home after being left unmarked from a corner.

Substitute Tommy Winter and right-back Callum Bennett both came close to giving Town the lead from a Joe Whight cross before the Cottagers somewhat fortunately went ahead again on 77.

Youngster Lawrence conceded possession just outside the Town area and Fulham took full advantage with Brister slotting home.

However, the young Blues’ determination paid off with 10 minutes remaining when Winter laid the ball off to midfielder Cormac Burke on the right and the Northern Ireland U19 international hit a sweet low drive into the far corner of the net.

And Town grabbed all three points five minutes later when Simmons scored a poacher’s goal from inside the six-yard box following a corner which wasn't dealt with by the visitors.

Skipper Meekings survived a penalty appeal against him for handball in the dying seconds and Town held on for a well-deserved and hard-fought three points. Meekings, who produced resolute defending throughout, and Simmons, who never stopped causing the Fulham defence problems, were probably the standout performers on a bitterly cold morning.

Town: Cropper, Bennett, Whight, Carson, Meekings, McKeown, Burke, Scotcher (October 67), Simmons, Lawrence and Tiofack (Winter 67). Unused: Maduako, O'Donnell and Acott.

Report and photo: James Ager

What to read next:

Town Women Re-Sign Doe on Permanent Deal
Ipswich Town Women have re-signed midfielder Ruby Doe for a third spell, this time on a permanent basis.
Town Among Clubs Linked With McBurnie
Town are reported to be among a number of Championship clubs showing interest in free agent Scotland international striker Oli McBurnie.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town Still to Accept Broadhead Bid
Town are still to accept a bid from Championship new boys Wrexham for Wales international Nathan Broadhead, TWTD understands.
Academy Scholar Longwe Joins Seasiders on Loan
Academy central midfielder Usisya Longwe has joined Isthmian North Division Felixstowe & Walton on loan.
Pert: Young Will Be a Real Asset
Assistant manager Martyn Pert believes new signing Ashley Young will be a “real asset” for the Blues in the season ahead, the former England international having made his first appearance in a Town shirt in last night’s 2-1 friendly victory over Charlton Athletic at Colchester’s JobServe Community Stadium.
Mazionis Completes Cheltenham Loan Move
Young Blues central defender Jacob Mazionis has completed his season-long loan switch to League Two Cheltenham Town.
Wrexham Closing in On Broadhead Signing
Town are understood to have agreed a fee from Wrexham for forward Nathan Broadhead.
Townsend: We Need to Get That Winning Feeling Back
Town full-back Conor Townsend believes it is important to get into the habit of winning again following the Blues’ 2-1 pre-season friendly victory over Charlton Athletic.
U18s Beaten at Bury
Town's U18s were well-beaten 3-0 by Bury Town at Ram Meadow on Tuesday evening as the non-league side reclaimed the Martin Swallow Memorial Trophy, with two of their three goals coming via former Blues academy players.