Emyr Huws made his first appearance in an Ipswich shirt since signing on a permanent basis from tomorrow's opponents Cardiff City in the summer as Monty Patterson’s goal earned the Blues' U23s a 1-1 draw with Colchester United at Playford Road.
The Welsh midfielder completed the full 90 minutes on his comeback from an achilles injury and quickly adapted to the pace of the game after an opening period of acclimatisation and out in a comfortable if unspectacular performance.
Speaking at this afternoon's press conference, manager Mick McCarthy said Huws could be in the squad for Saturday's home game with Preston if he comes through today's game with no ill effects.
Patterson’s cool finish in the early stages of the second half was deserved after periods of attacking pressure throughout the first half, but the same could be said of Tommy Sullivan’s 77th minute equaliser as both sides had plenty of chances to score more.
The visitors threatened early on, but Cole Kpekawa failed to capitalise on O’Sullivan’s corner as he headed straight at Michael Crowe with space either side of the goalkeeper to aim for.
The young Blues swiftly retaliated with a flowing move. Ben Morris sent Patterson free down the right wing and he found Ben Folami, who shielded the ball before turning and shooting across goal, but he was denied by the base of the post.
A flurry of attacking moves for Ipswich ensued, but a series of poor final balls and crosses prevented any clear chances to match their attacking dominance.
Thanks for the kind messages. Finally some game time after a really frustrating injury 🙌🻠🚜– Emyr Huws (@EmyrHuws1) October 30, 2017
Despite having more of the ball Colchester came close inside the 25th minute. Jed Smith found Callum Sturgess at the back post, but his poorly timed jump saw the ball spin off his head and away from danger.
The visitors came close again in the closing stages of the first half. George Fowler was robbed of the ball by Eoin McKeown and the striker powered towards goal and curled a right-footed shot onto the right post, leaving the game goalless going into the break.
Crowe was called into action early on in the second half, having to rush out and punch the ball away from danger as McKeown looked to be in on goal.
Having dipped out of the game Ipswich finally went ahead in the 53rd minute. Folami played the ball into Patterson who ran across the box before firmly striking passed Daniel Wilks with a powerful right-footed effort.
The young Blues had another opportunity a minute later, this time with Morris surging down the left-wing and into the area. With Patterson ready to receive the ball Morris opted for a shot which was easily dealt with by Wilks at the near post.
The introduction of Tarryn Allarakhia gave Ipswich problems down the right flank and the speedy winger looked to have set-up McKeown for the leveller with a well measured ball to the back post, only for the striker to snatch at the chance and scuff the ball to safety.
With little over 10 minutes remaining Ipswich could have double their lead. Substitute Conor McKendry found Folami in space, but the striker was well match by keeper Wilks, who had pre-emptively started to dive to his left, allowing him to push Folami’s shot away when a goal looked the likely outcome.
Five minutes later Ipswich were made to pay for their missed chances. O’Sullivan received the ball in the box and feinted past two Town tackles before curling the ball through a crowded box and into the left corner of the goal with the last significant chance of the game.
M Crowe, D Crowe, Clements, Webber, Fowler, Wolfenden, McLoughlin, Patterson (McKendry 71), Folami, Morris, Huws. Unused: Dobra, Wright, McGavin, Marshall.
Wilks, Wright, Sturgess, Warde (Edge 69), James, Smith (Allarakhia 56), Issa, McKeown, O’Sullivan, Sheriff, Kpekawa (Wilson 62). Unused: Kurasik.