Town's U21s put in a strong display to win 1-0 in a well-contested game on a rainy morning at Playford Road with Nathan Ellington's 67th-minute penalty the difference. Manager Paul Jewell, who yesterday said he was considering his Blues future, watched the game along with assistant Chris Hutchings and other members of his staff.
Town came close early on with Tom Winter hitting his shot into the sidenetting. At the other end, Arran Lee-Barrett was forced to produce a save to prevent a shot from Moe Shariff.
Byron Lawrence was next to have an effort at goal with his low driven shot being well saved to Aaron Lennox's right.
Town continued to press with Byron Lawrence crossing from the left to Ellington, with the striker heading wide what was a good chance. Minutes later Lennox was in action again this time with Tom Winter having a shot saved.
Josh Carson had a decent shot saved by Lennox in the second half with Town still searching for a goal.
The Blues were awarded a controversial penalty in the 67th minute when Carson was tackled from behind by Jamie Sendles-White. Ellington took the spot-kick and finished it with aplomb to the bottom left corner.
The first half was evenly balanced with Town producing more chances than the visitors but they were unable to carve out a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Massimo Luongo was a driving force in the middle with Ellington looking lacklustre up front, failing to win headers or trouble the defence. The decision not to bring on Jack Marriott was surprising considering his good run of form.
U21s: Lee-Barrett, Hammond, October, Thorsteinsson, Whight, Ainsley (Berkane 56), Carson, Luongo, Ellington, Lawrence, Winter (Timlin). Unused: Crowe, Marriott, Robinson.
Report: Robert Sutherland