Ipswich Town U18s were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup at the third round stage following a 2-1 defeat to Swansea at Portman Road tonight.
The Swans went two in front before Steven Turner netted a penalty just before the break, but Town were unable to find a equaliser in the second half.
Town made a quick start and nearly went ahead when Chuks Uzor met Tommy Taylor’s ball but couldn’t finish from close range.
There was a stoppage in play for five minutes after Alex Graham suffered a foot injury which saw him stretchered off but pleasingly he was back on the bench to support his team-mates in the second half.
The visitors then took the lead, against the run of play, when Tom Woodward converted from close range after receiving a cross from the left inside the box.
In the 42nd minute, Town went two behind when Aimar Govea rattled the Town crossbar and Rohan Davies turned home the rebound.
A minute into injury time, the Blues pulled a goal back when Jacob Mazionis was fouled in the area and Turner stepped up and slotted home just before the half-time whistle blew.
Town had plenty of possession during the second period but just couldn't break down the visitors' defence and it was a half that didn't see many clear cut chances.
There was just no urgency for Town and despite their late pressure an equaliser didn’t come as the young Blues exited the competition at the first hurdle.
David Wright's side will be disappointed to have been knocked out in a game were they were the better side for most of the match, but were unable to build any momentum from break.
The young Blues will learn from this and focus on their league campaign, with plenty of players standing out despite the defeat.
Midfielders Emmanuel Okunowo and Turner battled throughout the match, winning duels in the middle of the park and playing balls into the wide players.
Oudnie-Morgan showed his threat throughout but just couldn't find the final ball, while Ashton Boswell played well down the left, putting in dangerous balls.
Centre-half duo Mazionis and Henry Curtis were solid throughout but will be disappointed with the two goals conceded, while Woody Williamson made some crucial saves throughout the game.
A learning curve for all the young Blues as they exit the competition at this early stage but they'll move on quickly to their next game in the league away at Watford on Saturday.
Town U18s: Williamson, Mazionis, Curtis, Turner, Boswell (Mauge), Okunowo, Uzor-Greey, Taylor (c), Oudnie-Morgan, Nkansa-Dwamena, Graham (Adebayo).
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