IPSWICH Town boss Paul Jewell says very few of his fringe players came out of tonight’s 2-1 Carling Cup exit to Northampton Town with much credit.

The League Two side – who finished 50 places below Ipswich in the Football League last season – recovered from Jay Emmanuel-Thomas’ breathtaking opener to score two soft goals either side of the break.

With Ivar Ingimarsson (thigh), Damien Delaney (ankle), David Stockdale (loan terms), Josh Carson and Tamas Priskin (international duty) all unavailable, Jewell also rested the likes of Michael Chopra, Lee Bowyer and Carlos Edwards.

All in all there were nine chages to the team which won 3-0 at Bristol City three days’ previous.

“If (Michael Chopra had of played then we would probably have scored a couple more goals, but it was the same old Ipswich again not being ruthless enough when we had the opportunities,” rued Jewell.

“Did I make too many changes? That’s easy to say in hindsight. The team we had on paper was certainly good enough to get a result, but credit to Northampton – they were good for the win.” He added: “I thought Jack Ainsley was excellent in an alien position, while Cressy (Cresswell) and JET (Emmanuel-Thomas) did okay. Not too many of the others came out it well though.

“I just shows we haven’t got the strength in depth that I would like yet. Ivar’s injury in training means we are now desperately short at centre-half.”

Meanwhile, Jewell confirmed that he had planned to hand 15-year-old midfielder Byron Lawrence his senior debut – thus making him the club’s youngest ever player – but changed his mind as the game slipped away from his side.

– For full report and reaction, see tomorrow’s EADT and Evening Star.