x

Trialist on Bench for Town as Ambrose Starts for Colchester - Ipswich Town News

Hungarian trialist Bálint Bajner is amongst Town’s substitutes for this evening’s friendly at Colchester United (KO 7.30pm). Ex-Blue Darren Ambrose is a surprise starter for the home side having joined the U's on trial.

The Blues, who will be wearing their new orange away kit for the first time, start with Dean Gerken in goal, Elliott Hewitt at right-back, Tyrone Mings on the left and Luke Chambers and Christophe Berra at the centre of the defence.

In central midfield, ex U’s man Anthony Wordsworth starts alongside Luke Hyam with Alex Henshall on the left and Paul Anderson on the right. Daryl Murphy is partnered by Frank Nouble up front. As in previous games, Town look set to switch their entire XI at half-time.

Missing are Stephen Hunt, who is still suffering with his calf problem, Ted Bishop, who has a minor knock, and David McGoldrick, who is not yet ready for a return to match action as he continues his rehab after his knee injuries.

In addition to Ambrose, Tom Eastman starts for Colchester and David Wright is on the bench along with Drey Wright, the son of Jermaine Wright.

Town: Gerken, Hewitt, Mings, Hyam, Chambers, Berra, Anderson, Wordsworth, Murphy, Nouble, Henshall. Subs: Bialkowski, Veseli, Clarke, Smith, Parr, Taylor Skuse, Tabb, Stewart, Bajner, Marriott, McQueen, Wyatt.

Colchester: Lewington, Gordon, Eastmond, Ambrose, Gilbey, Holman, Sears, Eastman, Clohessy, Vose, Kent. Subs: Walker, D Wright, Okuonghae, Thompson, Bonne, Olufemi, D Wright, Massey, Moncur, Szmodics, O'Donohue, Sembi-Ferris.

What to read next:

Grant Talks With Huddersfield Ongoing
Talks between Blues first-team coach Lee Grant and Huddersfield Town regarding their management vacancy are ongoing, TWTD understands.
Norwich Target Long-Serving Town Academy Coach Klug
Long-serving Blues academy coach, former assistant boss and three-time caretaker-manager Bryan Klug is being targeted by Norwich City, TWTD understands.
Town XI to Face Lowestoft in Pre-Season
A Town XI will play a pre-season friendly against Lowestoft Town at Crown Meadow on Saturday 5th July (KO 3pm).
Chelsea Strong Favourites to Sign Delap
Chelsea are now the strong favourites to sign Blues striker Liam Delap, TWTD understands.
Chaplin: The Club is in a Much Better Place Than it Was a Year Ago
Town will return to the Championship in a much better place than they left it a year ago, according to forward Conor Chaplin.
Phillips: McKenna Made Me Believe in Myself Again
On-loan Blues midfielder Kalvin Phillips, whose spell at Portman Road is up now the season is at an end, has said his goodbyes and says Town manager Kieran McKenna made him believe in himself again.
Luongo: Together We Have Created Incredible Memories
Exiting Town midfielder Massimo Luongo has thanked everyone at Portman Road having created “incredible” memories together during his time at the club.
Town Bookies' Early Favourites For Championship Title
Town are the bookies’ early favourites to win the 2025/26 Championship title.
Town Coach Grant Linked With Terriers Job
Blues first-team coach Lee Grant is reportedly among the options to take over as manager at League One Huddersfield Town.
Enciso: Thanks For Supporting Me and For the Love
Departing loanee Julio Enciso has said his farewells and thanked everyone at Portman Road following his half-season spell at the club.