Town's reserves were dumped out of the Suffolk Premier Cup via a 2-1 defeat at Felixstowe and Walton on Tuesday night in front of watching boss Mick McCarthy and assistant Terry Connor. Josh Carson netted late on for the Blues after Arran Sheppard and Andy Crump had given the home side the lead.
On a bumpy pitch, Jack Marriott was first to test home keeper Danny Crump with a low effort from 25 yards that was gathered at the second attempt.
The Seasiders took a surprise lead three minutes later. Remi Garrett's free kick from the right was glanced past a helpless Arran Lee-Barrett by Arran Sheppard.
Nathan Szyszlyk fired a low shot from 20 yards inches wide before Marriott again forced Crump into a good block at his near post.
As the half-time whistle approached, Byron Lawrence's effort was fumbled by Crump but Ronan Murray toe-poked the rebound just wide.
Town's first chance of the second period fell to Marriott from Kyle Hammond's pull back, but the striker's effort was blocked by Dan Davis.
Despite enjoying plenty of possession, Mark Kennedy's side conceded a second goal on 57 minutes. A corner from the right wasn't cleared and despite Lawrence's best efforts, Andy Crump tucked the ball home at the back post.
Town continued to dominate possession but the home defence stood firm and denied the visitors any clear cut chances.
Josh Carson did grab a consolation in the final minute when he fired home a free kick from 20 yards, but Town couldn't grab an equaliser in stoppage time and the final whistle was greeted by a pitch invasion by home fans.
The poor pitch certainly didn't help Town's passing game, but no player really stamped their authority on the game.
Recent signing Tyrone Mings, playing at centre-half with Joe Whight at left-back, was a vocal presence and looked assured throughout.
New signing Mings
With little service, strikers Murray and Marriott were forced to settle for half-chances by a solid home backline. Town XI: Lee-Barrett, Hammond, Whight (October 85), Berkane (Timlin 67), Ainsley, Mings, Burke, Lawrence, Murray, Marriott (Winter 72), Carson. Unused: Crowe, Leddy, Thorsteinsson. Att: 1,050. Report: James Ager
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