IPSWICH Town made the long journey to the south coast to face Under-18 Academy league leaders Southampton and came back with a 2-0 defeat.
Elliott Scotcher returned to the starting line-up and West Ham trialist Deniz Mehmet was in goal.
Saints made a flying start and took the lead when leading scorer Sam Hoskins was brought down by a clumsy challenge from Josh Meekings. Hoskins made no mistake from the spot.
Saints were showing why they are current favourites for the title and after 12 minutes a defensive error presented Lloyd Isgrove the chance to make it two.
It was a backs-to-the-wall struggle for the remainder of the half, but Town defended well to keep in the match.
After the break, Ipswich looked a far better side and were desperately unlucky when a fierce shot from Scotcher struck a post and rebounded to safety off the keeper. Joe Whight also went close with a header inches over the bar.
On Saturday Ipswich entertain Birmingham City at Playford Road with a noon kick-off.
Ipswich: Mehmet, Bennett, McKeown, Jones, Meekings, Maduako, Tiofack, Scotcher, Lavery, Burke, Whight. Substitutes: October, Acott, Marriott
Town Under-16’s lost a close match 3-2 against Saints’ youngsters.
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