Alan Lee scored the only goal of the game as a Town U21 side beat Colchester United 1-0 at Playford Road this afternoon. The former Blues striker, who is back at the club to coach in the academy but has recently been training with Mick McCarthy’s first team squad, netted in the fifth minute.

The 34-year-old, released by Huddersfield at the end of last season and who Mick McCarthy is considering registering for the season ahead, seized on a loose ball after a shot had struck a defender before slipping the ball past the U’s keeper at a drizzly Playford Road.

The visitors came close to getting on terms in the 21st minute when Jonny Leddy was forced to clear off the line, then at the other end Joe Ward, who has been on trial from Chelmsford for the last three weeks, did well to cut in from the left but the Colchester keeper blocked.

Three minutes before the break, Jack Marriott saw a corner from Byron Lawrence late and the ball struck him and flew straight to the keeper. Just before the break, the U’s hit Blues keeper Michael Crowe’s right post from distance.

Goalscorer Lee made way at the break, having won a lot in the air, but looking short of fitness. Teddy Bishop took over, allowing trialist Ward to move into his favoured role up front from midfield.

Lawrence shot well over early on, then Colchester first struck an effort wide of Crowe’s post, then straight at the Town keeper.

As a well-contested game reached its final 10 minutes, Marriott twice had opportunities to increase his side’s lead. First, after a strong run down the right he struck a shot across the face of goal, then moments later another effort was saved by the visiting keeper.

Overall, what was a Town side largely made up of academy players deserved their victory against a Colchester team mainly consisting of professionals.

Amongst the more senior players in the Blues line-up was centre-half Christophe Berra, who said recently that he is around four games behind everyone else. The Scottish international was comfortable throughout.

Manager Mick McCarthy and his assistant Terry Connor were amongst those braving the weather to watch the game.

U21s: Crowe, Hammond, October, Berkane, Berra, Leddy (M Clarke 63), Ward (Winter 63), Lawrence, Marriott, Lee (Bishop 46), Timlin.

Photo: Action Images

h32 added 19:38 - Jul 30 ............. he's only just over 21 if you say it quickly - and with a bit of lard off his a*se he could be ok.
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mistert added 19:59 - Jul 30 Whatever the sceptics say, this is definitely a step up from Nathan Ellington!
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mikeybloo88 added 20:10 - Jul 30 Step backwards if we sign Lee, it's a no thanks from me
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Shotleytractor added 20:15 - Jul 30 http://fanchants.co.uk/football-songs/ipswich_town-chants/alan-lee-goal-3464/
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Hoppersblue10 added 20:41 - Jul 30 (Carthorse back in the day? He's been one of our best strikers over the last 10 years...) TBF....over the last ten years we have hardly had anyone to set the world alight. We need to probably go back an extra 5 years further to find the likes of; Pablo Counago, David Johnson (twice), Alex Mathie & Marcus Stewart who all netted more, Marcus doing in the Prem 1 season.!

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Hoppersblue10 added 21:04 - Jul 30 Mich d'Avrey is a step up from Nathan Ellington..!
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billlm added 21:19 - Jul 30 il get slated he was ok in his time here deffinatly the wrong direction now, we have murphy to do what lee does, we need a boxman to feed off murphy knock downs or mcgoldricks trickery n skill,i think it was the right time for chopra to go but think what if hed got his head down and applied himself he was the boxman,and we don't have any one else at this club like him and that's where were short I fear murphy mcgoldrick nouble and taylor if that's our 4 strikers are nothing like that could be a big mistake letting him go if we don't replace him, I hope mm looks at this some one like billy sharp perhaps also I still think u may see bramble here if he dosent sign with in the month we have cover at ch but not 4 theres 3 natural ch and a couple that can play there but not classed as ch

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Eeyore added 21:51 - Jul 30 I liked the idea of Lee being used because he was a terrific player. However, he now looks more 44 than 34. He hasn't aged at all well (unlike Edwards). He doesn't look fit and I think we might all be a bit disappointed.
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 21:56 - Jul 30 Good on him! always gives 110% - defo worth the contract Mick
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h32 added 21:57 - Jul 30 billm - ...... totally understand your point about the 'boxman' requirement - and we do not now have that type of player now. Equally agree that Chopra had a REAL opportunity to 'get his head down' this season and fulfill that role - unfortunately he didn't have what it would have taken to recognise that tremendous opportunity, and both parties potentially lose out ! We need that very 'type' of player in the squad - unfortunately in short supply !

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ThatMuhrenCross added 23:42 - Jul 30 Well why not give old Simon Milton a game for the u21s too! You know what, Kevin Beattie, Mick Mills and John Wark hang around the club a lot too, I'm sure they wouldn't mind joining in a kickabout!!
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budgieplucker added 00:39 - Jul 31 £100,000 signing and ended scoring 34 goals in 109 appearances for us - thats nearly a 15 goals a season ratio. Outside of a Bent or Dyer produced through the youth ranks that has to be seen as one of the best deals the club has done in the last decade. Can he contribute now (if fit)? I personally don't think anybody here is in a position to say unless they see him day in day out in training and that's exactly what Mick is trying to assess. If he's currently employed by the club then surely its good management to consider all resources at your disposal even if only to keep pressure on Murphy and Nouble to produce.

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rymall93 added 02:28 - Jul 31 I've been a season ticket holder for the last 11 years and I was DEVESTATED when Alan lee departed. I believe, as I see many of you do as well that he has been one if our best buys in the last decade. However he then stupidly decided to join that club down the road and had the audacity to say he'll celebrate if he scores against us. Can we forgive him?
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hollywoodginge added 05:05 - Jul 31 1-0 down with 5 minutes to go, applying pressure getting balls in the box, a good option to have coming off the bench!! I'm all for it! It's another option, he was an absolute pest to opposition defenders.
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sucrePB1 added 08:14 - Jul 31 sign him up... gives me someone to blame and abuse when it all goes tits up
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MB26 added 19:41 - Jul 31 Another cheap and cheerful signing. Surely better than Stern John? Was a bargain the last time we bought him. Not expecting the same results but he's a good player to have in the squad. Would rather have Alan Lee on a free than another Tamas Priskin for nearly £2 million. We need a brute up top. Murphy is a big lad but Lee is stacked.
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C_Thomsen added 22:26 - Aug 5 Showing the youngsters how to do it ! Sign him up NOW !
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dem added 21:20 - Aug 13 What about today's game? lets have some good reserve game reports...keep the first teamers on their toes this year!!
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