x

Hughes Hits Hat-Trick as U23s Beat QPR - Ipswich Town News

Tommy Hughes netted a hat-trick and Tawanda Chirewa scored once as Town’s U23s came from behind to beat QPR 4-2 at Playford Road this afternoon.

The 21-year-old, who made three sub appearances in cup games for the first team in 2019/20, was handed his first start for the U23s having made his return as a sub in November after 16 months out injured and after turning last week’s 2-0 win at Cardiff’s Town’s way having come off the bench.

QPR, whose side included former Blues midfielder Andre Dozzell, went ahead in the 14th minute from the penalty spot.

However, Town levelled via the Hughes’s first goal in the 34th minute, the midfielder finishing from Tawanda Chirewa’s pass.

Two minutes later, Hughes gave the Blues the lead with his second, rebounding after Matt Ward’s initial shot was saved.

Four minutes after the restart, the visitors levelled, but Chirewa restored the Blues’ lead in the 51st minute with a low shot from the edge of the box, his seventh league goal of the season.

Hughes completed his hat-trick on the hour with a right-footed shot from a Chirewa pass.

The young Blues, who are managed by Kieron Dyer and John McGreal, remain third in Professional Development League Two South.

U23s: Bort, Agbaje, Stewart, Bradshaw, Smith, Alexander, Humphreys, Chirewa, Ward, Hughes, Curtis. Subs: Ridd, Andoh, Siziba, Yengi, Valentine.

What to read next:

Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.