Tommy Smith netted the only goal as Town’s reserves defeated Peterborough 1-0 at Portman Road. The central defender rose to nod home an Ed Upson corner in the 53rd minute.

Striker Pablo Couñago returned to action after his groin injury, while Alan Quinn was also included in the starting line-up having come on as a sub against Crystal Palace last night.

Chances were rare early on, Town keeper Ian McLoughlin blocked from Posh striker Danny Mills with his feet after an error by Jack Ainsley, then Peterborough stopper Jim McKeown did much the same at the other end when Couñago played in Ronan Murray with the game’s first piece of real quality.

Kwesi Appiah shot wide for the visitors, then Dominic Green hit a freekick off the post with McLoughlin beaten.

Just before the break, Ed Upson cut in from his left midfield position and struck a shot wide.

Upson’s performance was one of the brighter aspects of an otherwise dull game. On 46 the midfielder sent in a cross from the left which Reggie Lambe directed goalwards, McKeown doing well to save.

The Bermudian international shot wide moments later with the Blues taking control of the match.

On 53 Upson sent in a corner from the left and Smith rose above everyone else to nod back across the keeper and into the net.

The defender, used as a left-back in Roy Keane’s first home game in charge against Coventry last season, was one of three players subbed on the hour mark, perhaps hinting at involvement from the start at West Brom on Saturday.

Academy defender Tom Eastman replaced Smith, while Luke Hyam took over from Alan Quinn and Jamie Griffiths came on for Couñago. Despite a relatively quiet performance against Peterborough, Quinn also looks to be in with a shout of a start against the Baggies. Couñago showed his usual glimpses of skill but looked a little way from match fitness.

Griffiths should have added to Town’s lead in the 64th minute but nodded over, then Upson curled a stunning effort off the bar, a strike which deserved a goal. Murray saw a shot save, before Green forced McLoughlin into a save at the other end.

On 85, just prior to manager Roy Keane leaving his seat in the directors’ box, Upson struck the bar for a second time with a curling 25-yard freekick.

The Bury-based youngster continued his impressive work from pre-season and in the Carling Cup at Shrewsbury and may well have pushed himself into Keane’s thoughts.

Elsewhere, loan signing Jack Colback was largely quiet but grew in influence as the game wore on, while Troy Brown and goalscorer Tommy Smith were solid at the back.

Reserves: McLoughlin, Ainsley, O’Connor, Colback, Brown, Smith, Lambe, Upson, Couñago, Murray, Quinn. Unused: Clark, Cawley.

Photo: Action Images

jditfc added 17:03 - Aug 19 who was skipper?
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tazdac added 17:11 - Aug 19 Better than the first team, they couldn't hit a barn door from a corner!!!
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MCGOODERZ added 17:40 - Aug 19 McLoughlin played well
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darren_cox added 17:48 - Aug 19 Mite as well give the youngsters a chance. Cant b any worse than those useless twats last night.
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Back_The_Boss added 17:56 - Aug 19 What was Pablo like on his return, near 1st team standard.....??
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BranthamBlue added 18:08 - Aug 19 great to see pablo return he could be the missing link we need between the forwards and midfield we need hopefully keano gives him a chance like he said when pablo turned down the swans. Did o connor play alright he should play at left backuntil thatcher returns as delaney is incomptent at defending and passing and great at standing still what was he doing,feel sorry for martin as the gulf in quality between then is ridiculus. Still have faith in keano everyone and i think we may surprise people at the weekend by puting on a show beating the baggies.

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Back_The_Boss added 18:19 - Aug 19 sadly i don't agree with your last bit.... hopefully i am wrong!!
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ITFC1985 added 18:51 - Aug 19 I have to say i think we miss Pablo, his hold up play gives other players a chance to get involved, we also miss Norris in the middle our midfield looks abit flat and theres no drive without Norris. also Delaney out Wright in........ Keep the faith we'll pick up :D
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Wozza added 18:56 - Aug 19 Welcome back Pabs, god knows we could do with something to be optimistic about after Tuesday.
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TheBlueStig added 19:40 - Aug 19 I believe young Tommy Smith deserves a run out in the first team so hopefully his goal has done him justice for a First Team recall against The Baggies on Saturday. Pablo should give us something different when he is fully fit as he links well with the midfield, he wasen't one of our top goal scorers last year for nothing, just think he needs to win over Keane, but he can only do that by playing...

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oldgit_reserves added 20:12 - Aug 19 Pablo indeed brings very much needed flashes of class into every match in which he plays at home. He hardly shone today but he wasn't alone. We desperately need to change the first team so Pablo should play a part v WBA and so should Upson. Smith? He is not really ready for the first team. But nor are the first team! Ainslie was captain, from right back, in answer to a question above. And, yes, why not try Shane O'Connor at left back. He meets the main criterium; he was born in Cork. He is young and short and eager, similar in so many ways to the late Billy Clarke.

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pabloc added 21:47 - Aug 19 totally agree with itfc1985 could have not said it any better, keano,keano.
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Suffolk_n_Good added 22:07 - Aug 19 Young Ipswich player Tommy Smith scores in the reserves...... Careful son, you know what happened to the last Town youngster who showed any class in the reserves!!!!
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devontractorboy added 23:19 - Aug 19 Pablo should play a part Saturday, although 'not looking match fit' suggests it will be from the bench. Shane O'Connor could not possibly be any worse than Donkey Delaney & I'd give Smith the nod over McAuley with Richard Wright as skipper
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devontractorboy added 23:35 - Aug 19 Also see Ameobi scored again tonight, talk about the one who got away!!!!
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ITFCHollywoodGT added 09:07 - Aug 20 Where was Supple...?!
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mjw_1983 added 18:48 - Aug 20 tractorboy98 the missing link is the whole of the midfield, we are playing 'hoof' ball at the moment and are relying on a diagonal ball to walters which is working for now but walters needs to be on the end of a cross not delivering it
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