Substitute Billy Clarke scored once again as the reserves drew 1-1 with Colchester United in a friendly at a very windy Playford Road on Wednesday afternoon. The Irishman netted soon after coming on at the break but Jamie Guy equalised for the visitors.

Colchester named former Blue Gavin Johnson in their line-up, while Dean Bowditch faced older brother Ben, a summer signing at Layer Road after being released by Spurs.

Lubo Guentchev, son of Johnson's Town team-mate Bontcho, came close to scoring on 17 when he seized on some hesitancy in the Colchester defence. The 18-year-old, on a six-week trial with the Academy, rounded the keeper but took the ball wide and the U's stopper was back in position to save by the time he'd managed to get in his shot.

Ben Bowditch tried to make full use of the strong wind on 27 when he struck a 35-yard freekick which went just wide of the Town goal from out on the left flank.

Two minutes later brother Dean was involved in Town's best move of the half. He brought the ball forward before playing it wide on the left to Scott Barron. The full-back crossed but Guentchev put the ball the wrong side of the post from six yards.

The younger Bowditch wasn't too far away from a goal himself in the 33rd minute when he struck a powerful effort across the face of the Colchester goal.

Bowditch junior was replaced at the break, 16-year-old Irish U19 international striker Billy Clarke taking over and making a big impact on the game.

On 51 Liam Craig, another half-time introduction, had a shot blocked which Clarke picked up on the edge of the box. He slipped past a defender and planted the ball in the corner of the Colchester net.

Colchester ought to have been back on terms just after the hour. Jamie Guy crossed from the left to Jamie Cade but the striker scuffed his shot badly wide when it looked easier to score.

However, on 68 Guy showed his team-mate how it should be done, latching on to Kem Izzet's pass and coolly beating Shane Supple in the Town goal.

Clarke was consistently creating problems for the Colchester backline and on 72 he got on the end of a left-wing cross but struck the crossbar. Daniel Flack following up saw his effort blocked on the line.

A game made tricky by a strong wind but one which was more entertaining for the handful of fans than last night's first team match at Doncaster.

Billy Clarke looks a really good prospect and if he carries his current form may well come into Joe Royle's plans before the season is out.

In goal, fellow Irishman Shane Supple did well to cope in the strong wind while Liam Manning was a steadying influence throughout in central midfield.

Jerrome Sobers was powerful in defence and looks a more developed player with every game. Alongside him Aidan Collins had a good game after returning from injury.

Reserves: Supple, Hogg, Barron, Manning, Sobers, Collins, Flack, Mitchell, Guentchev (Knights 66), Bowditch (Clarke 46), Atay (Craig 46).

Photo: Action Images

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