U18s Defeated By Watford - Ipswich Town News
Town's U18s were pegged back after taking a first-half lead and eventually fell to a 2-1 friendly defeat against Watford at Playford Road on Saturday morning.
Gerard Nash's side created the first chance in the opening few minutes when Cemal Ramadan’s cut-back found Sam Ford, but his effort was blocked on the line by a defender.
Town keeper Jacob Marsden produced a fine save to deny Michael Folivi soon after, before Ramadan (pictured) gave the Blues the lead just before the half-hour mark.
The Irish U17 international’s 25-yard freekick beat the wall but should have been comfortable for Hornets’ keeper Shaun Rowley, but the ball squirmed under him and rolled into the net.
Within a minute the visitors had equalised, however.Myles Kenlock brought Folivi down in the area and the Watford number 11 stepped up and calmly sent Marsden the wrong way.
The visitors took the lead a few minutes after the restart when left-back Harry Kyprianou burst forward and fired a shot across sub keeper Sam McDermid and in off the post.
Blues sub Ed Ellis thought he'd levelled for the scores with a good finish just before the hour mark but he was flagged offside after being played through by Shane McLoughlin.
Watford continued to look the more dangerous side on the counter and although Town pushed for a late equaliser - Ford's last-minute close-range effort was blocked for a corner - they were unable to get back on level terms.
Skipper Kenlock looked strong at the back and Marsden made some good saves in the first half, but the visitors’ pace caused Town problems throughout.
U18s: Marsden (McDermid 46), Meldrum (Ingram 52), Daly, C Smith (Maynard 46), Emmanuel (Mulryne 68), Kenlock, Jones, Benyu (Ellis 46), Ramadan, Blanchfield (McLoughlin 37), Ford.
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