Ipswich Town Under-21s secured their first win of the season this afternoon, beating Coventry City 3-0 in a Professional Development League clash at Playford Road.
The young Blues had started their campaign with three straight defeats, but in the Suffolk sun they produced a dominant performance - Gerrard Buabo, Osman Foyo and Leon Ayinde with the goals.
It took just eight minutes for the hosts to get in front when Matt Ward's great work down the right side allowed him to cross a ball into box for Buabo, who rose superbly to power a header past the keeper.
Sadly, the forward had to come off shortly after due to picking up a knock, which is a shame for him as he has only recently returned to action following a lengthy time out through injury.
John McGreal’s men doubled their lead when Ward was tripped in the area in the 25th minute. Foyo stepped up and scored from the spot with a powerful strike high into the net.
The young Blues were impressive throughout and got a deserved third with just over an hour played in the game.
It was great individual goal by Ayinde, who took on multiple players before cutting inside and hitting a right-footed effort home from just inside the box.
Town had the ball in the net for a fourth time soon after, but Oli Davis was adjudged to be offside following a good through ball from Ayinde.
Overall, it was a dominant display for the young Blues, who claimed their first three points of the season and picked up a well-earned clean sheet.
There were plenty of standout players to talk about, such as Ward, who was playing his first match of the season after his loan spell at Irish side Derry City.
The forward was impressive down the right side - beating players, creating chances and hitting the crossbar with one of his shots. He was replaced at half-time by Ayinde, who also produced a good display in the second half with his pace and skill to get past players, which resulted in him getting a well-deserved goal.
Another one of the attackers that deserves praise is Foyo, who was a handful all game. He has been an impressive performer with his strength and power through the middle, and he was composed as he took his spot kick.
The Town XI included former Reading and Norwich City academy player Ayyuba Jambang, who has just signed for Town following a trial. Playing on the left-hand side, he showed good composure on the ball during his 70 minutes on the pitch.
I was also impressed by midfield duo Emmanuel Okunowo and Finley Barbook, who were both composed on the ball and ran the show in the middle with plenty of tackles and passes to create opportunities for the attackers.
To be honest, all of the young Blues put a shift in to secure their first win after a tough start to their campaign. They will look to make it back-to-back wins when they travel to Barnsley's training ground next Tuesday.
Town: Gray, Lavin, Mazionis, H Barbrook, Jambang (Haddoch) F Barbrook (c), Okunowo, Foyo, Ward (Ayinde), Valentine (Taylor), Buabo (Davis).
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