Ipswich Town U23 1 Charlton Athletic U23 2 Shane McLoughlin was on the scoresheet but it wasn’t enough as Ipswich Town’s Under 23’s were beaten 2-1 by Charlton Athletic at Playford Road this afternoon, writes Kieren Standley.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ben Morris hit the post twice for Town. Picture: ROSS HALLSBen Morris hit the post twice for Town. Picture: ROSS HALLS (Image: Archant)

McLoughlin had initially given the Blues the lead just before half-time, before Josh Umerah and Taylor Maloney struck to make sure the visitors took all three points back to South London.

Town started the brightest, with James Blanchfield’s free kick forcing Charlton keeper Dillon Phillips into a tremendous save to his right, tipping the ball around the post with just six minutes on the clock.

The Blues kept up the pressure in the early stages with Ben Folami, Aaron Drinan and Ben Morris all having chances to put the home side in front.

- MORE: Mick says sorry to Town fans after derby day ‘f*** off’ celebration

East Anglian Daily Times: Teenage midfielder Tristan Nydam played for Town's Under-23s on Monday. Photo: Ross HallsTeenage midfielder Tristan Nydam played for Town's Under-23s on Monday. Photo: Ross Halls (Image: Archant)

Ipswich did take the lead on the brink of half-time when McLoughlin followed up Bailey Clements’ low delivery, turning home from close range.

Morris had Town’s best chance to double their advantage when he beat Anfernee Dijkoteel down the left flank, cut onto his right foot and unleashed a rasping shot towards goal, with only the near post denying him an impressive solo goal.

Charlton began to grow into the game on the hour mark with Dijkoteel going closest to levelling things up for the Addicks when his driven shot from distance deflected off Barry Cotter, forcing Town stopper Nick Hayes into an excellent reaction save.

- MORE: The Verdict: Mexit looks to be inevitable

East Anglian Daily Times: Aaron Drinan was also in action for the Under 23s. Picture: STEVE WALLERAaron Drinan was also in action for the Under 23s. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

The South London side capitalised on their dominance and were level two minutes later when first team forward Nicky Ajose’s deflected cross landed in the path of Umerah, who smashed home unchallenged from a mere three yards out.

Charlton came up with what turned out to be the winner a few minutes later. Maloney picked the ball up in midfield and fired towards the bottom left corner from 25 yards out, beating Hayes low down to his right, a shot that the Town keeper’ would have been disappointed to have conceded.

The Blues failed to respond to going behind until stoppage time when Morris hit the post for a second time, this time from a dangerous free-kick.

- MORE: Chambers takes aim at Norwich

With substitute keeper Ed Harvey beaten, the woodwork came to the rescue for the Addicks, who held on to claim the spoils.

The result sees Gerard Nash’s side fall to back to back defeats, with their next game coming away to Aston Villa on Thursday.

Town XI: Hayes (GK), Crowe, Cotter (Marshall), Goteni, Clements, Nydam, McLoughlin (c), Blanchfield (Sagaf), Morris, Folami, Drinan

Unused: Ware, McGavin, Lankester