x

U18s Thrash Grimsby - Ipswich Town News

Town's U18 side continued their pre-season preparations with a 4-0 victory against Grimsby Town at Playford Road on Tuesday afternoon.

The young Blues had right-back Matt Wooldridge to thank for keeping the scores level early on, as he was in the right place to clear Declan Slater's goalbound header after new first-year scholar Toby Egan had parried Ty-Rhys Paul-Jones's initial effort.

Striker Zak Brown hit a left-foot shot across goal and off the foot of the far post on the half hour, but within seconds he did put Town ahead after bursting through and calmly finishing past the advancing keeper.

Brown turned provider for the second on 81 when he released Kian Ronan (pictured), and the Gibraltar U17 and U19 international rounded the keeper before rolling the ball into an empty net.

With a minute remaining sub Jack Lankester added a third when he converted Thomas Hughes's fine cross from the left, before the former chipped the ball into the path of Albert Wilton and he finished emphatically with the last kick of the game.

The final score line was harsh on the visitors, who are currently coached by ex-Blues striker Neil Woods, but Town took their chances well and they'll now look forward to Saturday's U18 friendly at home to local rivals Norwich City.

Meanwhile, Blues schoolboy Ben Knight is with the England U16s for a four-team tournament in Scotland.

The forward started as the England youngsters beat Uruguay 2-0 at Heriott Watt University this afternoon. The hosts and Qatar are the other nations taking part.

U18s: Egan, Wooldridge, Barley, Ndaba (Ronan 72), Henry (Marshall 72), Vega, Foudil (Wilton 72), D Crowe (Dobra 72), Brown, Obazee (Lankester 46), Hughes. Unused: Wright, Clements.

What to read next:

Supporters Club Recruiting For Leadership Team
Following Town’s recent growth and capturing of the hearts of fans across the country, the Official Ipswich Town Supporters Club is seizing the moment to grow its leadership team and is calling on passionate supporters to get involved.
Hirst: It's About Self-Pride
Town may already be relegated to the Championship, but Blues striker George Hirst insists there is still plenty to play for in the final weeks of the Premier League season.
Young Keeper Gray Braintree Young Player of the Season
On-loan Blues keeper Henry Gray has been named Braintree Town’s Young Player of the Season.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Celebration of Town Women's Promotion on Cornhill
Ipswich Borough Council is inviting fans to celebrate Ipswich Town Women’s promotion to the Women’s Championship for the first time at an event on the Cornhill on Saturday morning from 11.20am.
Ticket Window For Town Fans For Sheeran Gigs
Town season ticket holders and members will have access to an exclusive pre-sale window for July’s three Ed Sheeran concerts at Portman Road on Thursday.
U21s Beaten By Fleetwood in Final Game
Town's U21 side rounded off their Professional Development League Two South campaign with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday morning, with captain Tommy Taylor netting in the second half.
Huni: Wardley Fight a Gift I Took With Both Hands
Australian heavyweight champion Justis Huni says being called in as a late replacement to face Fabio Wardley for the interim WBA World Heavyweight title at Portman Road on June 7th is a gift which he took with both hands.
Al-Hamadi: I Felt the Love Throughout My Time at Stoke
Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi has thanked everyone at Stoke City following the completion of his loan spell with the Championship side.
Bruce: Baggott a Smashing Lad and a Smashing Pro
Blackpool head coach Steve Bruce has praised “smashing lad and smashing pro” Elkan Baggott following the end of the central defender’s loan spell with the Seasiders, who named him their Community Champion.