New signing Danny Rowe’s first goal in a Town shirt completed a 3-0 U23s win against Crystal Palace at Dulwich Hamlet’s Champion Hill Stadium this afternoon, Ben Morris and Shane McLoughlin having given Gerard Nash’s side a quick-fire two-goal first-half lead in front of the watching Mick McCarthy.
Alongside McCarthy sat Bryan Klug and Eagles strike legend Mark Bright, while Blues left-back Myles Kenlock, an ex-Palace youth player, was also in attendance.
A drab opening 20 minutes on a poor surface featured a good Michael Crowe save from a dipping Jason Eyenga-Lokilo shot as the hosts started on top.
However, Town began to get into the game and sprang into life with two quick goals. Firstly, in the 22nd minute, some neat passing saw Andre Dozzell slip Ben Morris clear and the youngster finished well past the onrushing Kleton Perntreou.
A minute later, Town forced a corner and a curling Danny Rowe flagkick was headed home unmarked by Shane McLoughlin.
Arguably, the Blues should have added to their first half tally as they began to create chances but McLoughlin headed over when it looked easier to score, Teddy Bishop volleyed over after a burst into the box and Luke Woolfenden had a shot tipped wide after a good move.
The half-time whistle brought respite for the hosts and no changes at the break for Town as they looked to start the second half on the front foot.
Soon after the restart, a George Fowler run and cross was just out of reach of the on-rushing Ben Morris before Bishop picked up the loose ball and nearly curled home.
On 58 minutes, McLoughlin blazed over from close range after more good work from Morris and Bishop. Seven minutes later, Bishop hit the post after some neat trickery from McLoughlin.
With 20 minutes to go the impressive Bishop was replaced by Chris Smith, who moved into central defence with Paul Digby taking up a defensive midfield role.
Crowe then made an excellent save with his feet on 73 from a Nya Kirby shot then a minute later Town counter-attacked and Danny Rowe made it three with a powerful left foot finish through the legs of Perntreou.
The finish capped a very good performance from the new signing and saw him not just notch his first goal in an Ipswich shirt but also receive a round of applause from McCarthy.
Rowe, who had received a number of firm challenges throughout, was close to being substituted on 75 minutes after another tackle. However, he indicated to Nash that he wanted to carry on and play the full 90 minutes, which would have impressed McCarthy.
Rowe was left on as Dozzell and McLoughlin were replaced by Adam McDonnell and James Blanchfield. On a rapidly deteriorating surface, the only chance of note in the last 15 minutes was a run and shot from Digby that was easily saved.
U23 GOALS | @BenMorris99, @97Loughlin and Danny Rowe were all on target as #itfc defeated @CPFC 3-0 on Monday
Full highlights on Player HD pic.twitter.com/5iuGMVMvYu— Ipswich Town FC (@Official_ITFC) February 22, 2017
A positive afternoon for the Town saw both Tommy Smith and Luke Hyam come through the 90 minutes unscathed, while Bishop and particularly Rowe impressed for the visitors.
Youngsters Morris and McLoughlin were lively and took their goals well as all eyes now turn to the derby clash at Carrow Road this coming Sunday.
U23s: Crowe, Fowler, Digby, T Smith, Woolfenden, Hyam, Bishop (C Smith 70), Rowe, Dozzell (Blanchfield 75), McLoughlin (McDonnell 75), Morris. Unused: Hayes, McKendry.