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:

Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.