Australian striker Ben Folami struck his fifth U23s goal of the season as Gerard Nash’s side began their Premier League Cup campaign with a 1-0 win away against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this afternoon.

Folami, 18, netted the game’s only goal two minutes after half-time from a Danny Rowe pass. Earlier, home striker Jordan Hallam had seen a penalty saved by Michael Crowe.

The U23s have been drawn with the Blades - who the Blues recently beat 3-2 at home in a league game - West Brom and Aston Villa in Group E of this season’s Premier League Cup.

The Blues went out at the group stage last year when they again faced the Baggies - who they beat 2-1 at home a drew 0-0 with away - as well as Liverpool and Huddersfield.

🎥 U23 | @MichaelCrowe95 saved a penalty & Ben Folami scored the winner as #itfc got their Premier League Cup campaign off to a winning start pic.twitter.com/PpK3Uj8nQQ

— Ipswich Town FC (@Official_ITFC) September 30, 2017

The competition, which replaced the U21 Premier League Cup last season, emulates the format of the Champions League with 32 teams involved in the group stage and the top two in each going through to the last 16.

From there the ties will be one-off knockout games with extra-time and penalties if required. Last year’s competition was won by Swansea.

The Blues’ U23s are currently third in the Professional Development League Two South table having suffered only their second defeat of the season away against leaders Coventry, who beat them 2-1, on Monday.

Photo: TWTD

irishtim added 17:25 - Sep 29 One for the future which is looking bright. For those who slate MM bringing back Bryan Klug a major plus.
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trncbluearmy added 17:48 - Sep 29 I doubt that any Town fan has ever been critical about the return of Bryan Klug
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RobITFC added 18:18 - Sep 29 Big strong lad for his age, seems to hold the ball up well and has an eye for goal , definately one for the future
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muccletonjoe added 18:33 - Sep 29 Folami is very impressive for his age and at the moment you cant be blamed for thinking the u23s are full of potential first teamers. People are right to look to Brian Klug for this emerging talent.
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Terry_Nutkins added 19:48 - Sep 29 Trncblue, i think he meant for those that slate Mick he should at least be given credit for bringing back Klug. He just couldnt be arsed with Grammar.
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PhilTWTD added 20:21 - Sep 29 While Bryan Klug's return was certainly a plus, he returned some months before Mick McCarthy came to the club and was an appointment made by the chief executive, Simon Clegg, rather than Paul Jewell the then-manager. Klug: Keane Axing Did Me a Favour 14th Jun 2012 06:00 Returning Blues stalwart Bryan Klug says his 2010 axing by former manager Roy Keane ultimately did him a favour as it gave him the chance to spend two years broadening his horizons at Tottenham's academy. Klug, who was yesterday was confirmed as Town’s new academy director, was in a head of football development role, having previously been Jim Magilton’s assistant manager, when Keane removed him from the Blues' staff. 18

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Kikapu added 20:30 - Sep 29 Terry Nutkins. I love it. Shame on Phil for spoiling it.
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bobble added 01:28 - Oct 2 he has got to be rushed into the Australia squad for the WC play offs v syria, he is the only Australian scoring at this rate anywhere lately....
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bobble added 01:28 - Oct 2 he has got to be rushed into the Australia squad for the WC play offs v syria, he is the only Australian scoring at this rate anywhere lately....
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