First half goals from Billy Clarke, Dean McDonald and Darryl Knights gave Town's reserves a 3-0 victory over Watford at Borehamwood's Meadow Park on Monday night. Jay McEveley played 70 minutes as he made his first reserves appearance since his medial ligament operation.

Clarke struck on 20, McDonald five minutes later and Knights a few minutes before the break as the Blues ran out deserved winners.

McEveley was amongst Town's more impressive players and didn't want to come off when he was replaced with Scott Mitchell with 20 minutes remaining.

McDonald, out of contract in the summer and yet to be offered a new deal, was the Blues' outstanding performer in an excellent team display, overseen by academy director Bryan Klug with Steve McCall presumably travelling to Preston with the first team for tomorrow's rearranged fixture.

Town gave a run-out to Jaime Peters, now sporting a ponytail, after his knee injury, while Lawrie Wilson, the central defender currently on trial from Charlton, was given five minutes towards the end. Aidan Collins received clearance to play having had his loan spell with Wycombe cut short.

Former Blue and current Oxford United manager Brian Talbot was amongst those watching the game.

Reserves: Óskar Pétursson, Chris Casement, Jay McEveley (Scott Mitchell 70), Vemund Brekke Skard, Aidan Collins, Gerard Nash, Jaime Peters, Liam Trotter (Laurie Wilson 85), Dean McDonald, Billy Clarke, Darryl Knights (Cathal Lordan 85). Unused: Stuart Ainsley, Kieran Leabon.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls