An Ipswich side made up of reserves and Academy players lost 1-0 to Redbridge FC at a sunny Oakside Stadium on Sunday lunchtime. The match was part of the deal which saw Jerome Sobers and Ben Patten sign for Town last season.
It was a pity it was not better supported by Town fans, particularly from the London area. The match is the first of two planned.
The match was the home side's first at Oakside under their new name. As Ford United they came 13th in the Ryman Premier Division last season and qualified to start this campaign in the Nationwide South, one of two feeder leagues for the Nationwide Conference.
Despite last season's side achieving their objective, Redbridge released eight of their squad over the summer.
New signings include young players from Leyton Orient and Southend, so they have some ambition at least. The young home side had many in the 19-20 age bracket and therefore were all older than the Town side.
Town began: Supple; Hogg, Sobers, Patten, Collins, Barron; Knights, Murray, Garvan; Guentchev, Wilson. The subs, who all got some action, were Hammond, Krause, Flack, Manning and Boardley.
Supple did well in goal and Sobers, Patten and Collins looked like prospects. That was about it.
Of the rest, Knights showed some class in midfield in the first half before being moved up front, Flack had a couple of shots in the second half and Barron a run down the left.
The game just emphasised the thinness of Town's squad. We must hope for a season without too many injuries and suspensions and there is clearly a need to add some new signings.
Redbridge ended strongly and pressing to add to their goal by Chris Perkins from a corner. They have some quick, strong and talented lads up front and should start the season with confidence.
Thanks to TWTD Message Board contributor ONLYBLUESANDHORSES for the report.