Town's U18s beat Millwall 3-2 in their first game of 2005, at the Lions' Calmont Road. The U16s began their year with a defeat, also against Millwall.

The U18s took an unexpected lead on 14 minutes after Billy Clarke fired home from distance, Town having been on the back foot up to then.

Millwall striker Mark Quigley equalised within minutes of Town going ahead. Quigley had his back to goal, turned his marker, rode another challenge before firing home from the edge of the area.

Lions' keeper Jamie Riley was beaten for the second time when Mark Ward, who scored at the right end in the corresponding fixture at Playford Road earlier in the season, turned a cross into his own net.

Quigley then equalised for the second time after a misplaced back-pass allowed him to latch onto the ball and fire home.

Town had the wind behind them in the second half and took the lead after a free-kick from Liam Craig had hit the bar. Irish striker Billy Clarke was first to react and he beat two challenges to give Town the points, scoring his second of the game.

Unusually, the Blues used three goalkeepers during the match. With Shane Supple out injured due to a heel problem, schoolboy David Blackmore was between the sticks but a kick to the head saw him concussed and substituted.

The Blues had no regular sub stopper, so midfielder Liam Trotter went in goal. He was later replaced by another midfielder, Sammy Moore.

Town's U16 team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the same opposition. This was Millwall's fourth consecutive win, although but for a brilliant display from keeper Tommy Crowther, Town would have got something from the game.

Millwall took the lead in the 33rd minute after a Chris Shakali free-kick found Sam Sowter who headed the home side in front.

On 38 minutes, Millwall doubled their tally. Adam Jupp collected the ball and hit a tremendous shot from 20 yards which flew into the net.

Millwall defender Tom Hopkins gave Town hope after a mis-timed tackle gave the Blues a penalty on the hour mark. Kieron Leabon fired the shot past Crowther.

The Lions could have increased their lead, but the score remained the same and the Town lads were unlucky not to get something out of the game.

The Blues' new tie-up with Monaco saw a coach from the principality take training sessions at the Academy last week. Also as a result of the link Town have had 21-year-old midfielder Jimmy Juan on trial.

Photo: Action Images

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