First-half goals from Darren McQueen and Monty Patterson (pictured) saw Town’s U21s to a 2-1 victory over Millwall at Playford Road.
McQueen’s pace caused the Millwall defence problems early on and the diminutive forward made a strong direct run in on goal and latched onto the ball before calmly placing it past Lions keeper Denzel Gerrar and into the left corner of the goal.
Town keeper Michael Crowe faced his first test in the 11th minute, but easily collected Ben Thompson’s tame long-range shot.
Cory Galvin replaced Witham Town trialist, Tom Wraight after 16 minutes, the 20-year-old having been unable to make an impression on the game having sustained a back injury in the sixth minute defending a corner.
The substitute left his mark less than 10 minutes after coming on, playing a perfectly weighted pass into the path of New Zealand U20 international Patterson, who stroked the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.
The Lions started to show more attacking intent after going two goals behind but the Blues backline were up to the task.
Omar Sowunmi made a strong sliding block to prevent a cross from the right, whilst his centre-back partner, Joe Robinson, was on hand to close down Kris Twardek’s shot from inside the box after the ball had broken to him following a set-piece.
The visitors came out fired up for the second half with the strong words from their coach, ex-Millwall striker Neil Harris, still ringing in their ears.
Despite looking dangerous when on the attack, Ipswich were having to deal with Millwall’s increased numbers going forward. While the Lions got crosses into the box, keeper Crowe was on hand to collect at his near post inside the opening 10 minutes.
The visitors were rewarded for their attacking endeavour and reduced the deficit in the 56th minute.
Crowe looked to have saved Jamie Philpot’s back-post header but the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line.
Millwall’s high-tempo attacking play reduced Ipswich to operating on the counter-attack and they were put under heavy pressure as the visitors looked to draw level.
Although the Lions had the majority of the possession they struggled to make any clear-cut chances. Their best opportunity saw Philpot head over from a well-placed Dylan Casey cross with 20 minutes left to play.
The Lions continued to push forward but couldn’t find a way through Ipswich’s spirited defence, epitomised by sub Galvin’s harrying of Millwall giant Danny Shittu.
Blues new signing Dylan Connolly and the returning Kyle Hammond — who completed 90 minutes — combined well down the right wing, with great deliveries from both players causing the Millwall defence problem.
The pace of Connolly in particular caused Millwall left-back Casey problems, with the Irishman often powering past him during his 54 minutes on the pitch. The 19-year-old, who hadn't played a game since the end of the Irish season in November, was replaced as he had a slightly tight hamstring.
The confident display of Crowe in goal neutralised the threat of Danny Shittu from set-pieces, with the Blues keeper quick to collect anything that came his way.
U21s: Crowe, Hammond, Wyatt, Guldbrandsen, Robinson, Sowunmi, Connolly (Emmanuel 54), Benyu, McQueen, Patterson (Blanchfield 46), Wraight (Galvin 16). Unused: McDermid, Ramadan.