Strikers Billy Clarke and Jordan Rhodes both scored twice as the reserves defeated Framlingham Town 4-2 in a pre-season friendly. The game was a testimonial for veteran Fram defender Neil Whatling.

The Blues went in front in the fifth minute when Billy Clarke went through one-on-one with the keeper and looped the ball over him and into the net.

Town failed to build on their early goal and 10 minutes before half-time the home side got back on terms via a wickedly deflected freekick which gave keeper Andy Plummer no chance.

The incident which had led to the freekick left central defender Gerard Nash injured and the Irishman, who appeared to have hurt a thigh, was replaced by New Zealander Tommy Smith, one of this year's academy intake, many of whom only started training earlier this week.

Just before the break, the always dangerous Clarke was felled inside the area. The Irish U19 international took the kick himself and left the keeper standing as he converted from the spot.

Full-back Michael Synnott, playing his first game since missing most of last season after undergoing ankle surgery, was replaced with another new academy recruit, Curtley Williams, for the second half, the Irish youngster having taken a knock shortly before the break.

The determined Framlingham side got back on terms again in the 61st minute, former Wolves man Colin Taylor heading home a freekick.

Rhodes, scorer of 43 goals at all levels last season, entered the fray on 65 and scored within three minutes, flicking home from close range after a superb left wing run and cross from trialist Ryan Watts, previously with Brentford.

The striker, another of this year's new intake of academy full-timers, added his second and Town's fourth in the 87th minute, showing some sharp footwork and a clinical finish from just inside the area.

Late on, Rhodes, the son of Town's goalkeeper-coach Andy, needed lengthy treatment for what appeared to be a chest injury but left the field without requiring the waiting stretcher.

Town's two goalscorers were by far the most impressive performers, while Darryl Knights also showed some nice touches, particularly when interchanging with Clarke, but looked like he needs a goal.

Midfielder Vemund Brekke Skard, the most senior player on view, failed to impose himself on the game with Jai Reason, another of this summer's intake, making more of an impression when on as a second half substitute.

Many of the same players will be in action when an U18 side are at Southwold next Friday evening.

Reserves: Plummer, Synnott (Williams 46), Webster, Skard (Rhodes 65 (Nimmo 90)), Short, Nash, Nimmo (Boto 61), Fenn, Clarke (Reason 59), Knights, Watts.

Photo: Action Images

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