Owen Garvan played 45 minutes as a Town reserve side drew 4-4 at Cambridge United on Saturday afternoon. The Blues were two down at the break, but came back in the second half via goals from Jai Reason, two from Danny Haynes and Billy Clarke.
In a game arranged as part of the deal which saw youngster Russell Short move from the Conference side to Town last summer, the U's went ahead through Danny Carey-Bertram in the 20th minute. The same player doubled the home side's lead six minutes later.
Garvan played the whole of the first half before being replaced with new academy recruit Jai Reason. The Irishman showed no sign of injury and looks likely to be available for Saturday's opener at Crystal Palace. The 18-year-old is expected to play some or all of Tuesday's friendly at Bury Town along with striker Alan Lee.
The Blues pulled a goal back in the 57th minute, Scott Barron crossing from the left, Danny Haynes's header coming off the post and sub Reason following up.
Ten minutes later the Blues were on terms after Haynes was felled in the area when through on goal. The youngster took the kick himself and watched the ball squirm under the home keeper.
On 79 there was a mix-up in the Cambridge midfield, the loose ball falling to Billy Clarke who curled a sweet shot past the keeper and into the net off the post.
Cambridge got back on terms within four minutes, Town defender Luke Webster turning the ball into his own net.
In the 90th minute the Blues went back in front from a corner won after a fine save from an Ian Nimmo shot. Clarke sent the ball in and Haynes was on hand to scramble it home.
Two minutes into injury time Cambridge trialist Lloyd Blackman completed the scoring.
Young midfielder Jai Reason was Town's most impressive player having replaced Garvan at half-time, while Billy Clarke was his usual lively self. Liam Trotter was good in spells, while Sam Parkin was quiet and Lewis Price solid if unspectacular.
Town: Lewis Price, Michael Synnott, Luke Webster, Liam Trotter, Russell Short, Gerard Nash, Danny Haynes, Owen Garvan (Jai Reason 46), Sam Parkin, Billy Clarke, Scott Barron (Ian Nimmo 77). Unused: Tony Boto, Kurt Robinson, Liam Barrett.
Thanks to Carl O'Kreidewolf for the report.