Town reserves lost 2-0 to Spurs last night, but more importantly Town seem to be involved in a minor goalkeeping crisis. Mike Salmon had to come off after 18 minutes suffering with a hand injury and was replaced by youngster Tomi Niemi. With James Pullen out for six weeks with a finger problem Town have a few problems in the keeping department. Keith Branagan is without a game after his knee problem, but seems likely to take to the bench on Saturday. Of course Richard Wright is a man rarely injured so we are unlikely to need the services of any other keeper anyway.
Niemi had a reasonably game when he came on, although he was to blame for Spurs' first goal, direct from a corner by Willen Korsten. Ian Hiller scored the second Spurs goal. Town side: Salmon (Niemi 18), Croft, Karic, J Miller (Snowdon 70), Sclaes, Thetis, Reuser, Nicholls (Abidallah 46), Logan, Midgley and Friars. Unused subs: Ambrose and Bent.
Town fans are being urged to keep hold of their tickets from the Worthington Cup match with Coventry. These will be used for priority schemes for any future Worthigton Cup matches Town may find themselves involved in.
The Blues may line-up in burgundy for Monday's game at Coventry. Apparently both Town's strips are considered to clash with the Coventry first strip and so an alternative has to be found. Premiership clubs are permitted to use just two strips during a season so Town are seeking special dipensation to wear the third strip. The strip will not be available for purchase in the club shop.
The hotel and car park proposed for the Cattlemarket by the ground is still well on track. Ipswich Borough Council has agreed with the outline proposal from Turnstone Estates. The proposals will now go in front of the Government Office for the Eastern Region before a full application is submitted.