Young Terriers fall to defeat in Suffolk

- Three second half goals give Ipswich the victory
- Josh Austerfield scores first goal at this age group for Town
- Three trialists in the Town starting-eleven

Leigh Bromby’s U18 side was defeated by Ipswich Town U18s 3-1 on Saturday morning in Suffolk. Ipswich scored two early goals in the second half to make it an uphill task for Town and despite a Josh Austerfield goal, the Young Terriers were unable to mount a comeback.

With the original fixture called off after 18 minutes due to snow, the weather conditions were kinder this time round as the sun shone on Playford Road. Town’s line-up featured three trialists with Abdulyekini Badru, Jeffrey Oredein and Sam Sharrock-Peplow all featuring for the first time.

The game started with the host - who are managed by ex-Town striker Alan Lee - enjoying the majority of possession and Ben Knights registered the first shot of the game in the 3rd minute but his effort did not trouble the goal.

Two minutes later and the Tractor Boys came closer to opening the scoring. Alex Henderson rose well to connect with a corner, but his header was high of the mark.

Town was struggling to get into the game in an attacking sense but was able to restrict the Ipswich chances. Trialist Jeffrey Oredein was putting in an impressive shift on his debut operating in the number 6 role, he forced a turnover for Town on numerous occasions.

In the 21st minute, Ipswich saw another header go over the bar. This time it was from a free kick as Town was caught napping in the box, but the team was let off the hook.

At the other end, Town registered its first shot of the game. Seth Meeson blasted an attempt from outside of the box wide of the post.

With 30 minutes on the clock, it was a more even affair with both sides seeing an equal amount of possession. Town striker Darnell Mintus was struggling to get involved as the Ipswich defence effectively marked him.

The game was drawing closer to the break when Town enjoyed its biggest chance of the half. Dahomey Raymond found space down the right flank and his cross connected with Sam Shamrock-Peplow. The trialist headed towards goal but his looped effort was saved and Jeffrey Oredein fired the rebound wide.

The half time whistle went with the scores at 0-0 and aside from the two missed headers from Ipswich, neither team had troubled the goalkeepers.

The Tractor Boys started the second period brightly and scored the game’s opening goal in the 48th minute. A corner dropped to the feet of Luca Vega who converted at the near post to put Ipswich 1-0 up.

Three minutes later and the home side doubled its advantage. Armando Dobra dribbled round three Town players before finishing low into the bottom left corner to give his side the two-goal cushion.

Both teams appeared to be tiring in the hot conditions and it looked like it was allowing for more chances. The two Ipswich goals were quickly followed up by a Town goal in the 57th minute.

Abdulyekini Badru produced an excellent run to make it into the box and his shot required a good save from Ipswich goalkeeper Mitchell Ware. However, Josh Austerfield was on hand to roll the rebound into the empty net and give Town a way back into the game.

After the goal, Leigh Bromby introduced Tom Bell and Remi Thompson as Town pushed for the equaliser. Tom Bamford drilled a free kick goal wards but his shot was blocked by the Ipswich wall and at the other end he produced a piece of excellent defending to prevent a counter.

The game entered the final 10 minutes with Town pushing for a goal but seemingly bereft of energy. Ipswich confirmed the three points in the 92nd minute as Town conceded from a corner. Zak Brown was free in the box and headed past Harrison Davison-Hale.

The referee blew the final whistle with the score at 3-1 to the home side. On a positive note for Town there were impressive displays throughout the team.

Town’s Starting Line-Up (4-2-3-1):

Harrison Davison-Hale; Abdulyekini Badru (Remi Thompson 72’), Harry Spratt, Tom Bamford, Dahomey Raymond; Jeffrey Oredein, Seth Meeson (Tom Bell 61’); Sam Sharrock-Peplow, Josh Austerfield, Ben Mills; Darnell Mintus