IPSWICH TOWN: Playing their second match in three days, the Blues’ Under-18’s were beaten 3-2 at home by undefeated Leicester City.

The Foxes are runaway leaders of the Premier Academy Group B and were looking for points that would confirm the title.

With three players in the first team squad at Newcastle and three injured, Ipswich fielded a young side although reserves skipper Jack Ainsley was on the bench.

Town were immediately on the back foot and Ian McLoughlin was forced to make two outstanding saves from Chamberlain and John.

At the other end Caolin Lavery was fighting a lone battle against three giant City defenders. Town held out well until the 38th minute when Jorrin John was put clean through and beat McLoughlin with a low shot.

Worse was to follow as Callum Bennett brought down Nathan Hicks and the same player rifled home the resultant penalty.

If Leicester thought the points were safe they soon found themselves under pressure as Ipswich battled back after the interval. Lavery headed a Bennett cross narrowly wide and Luke Hyam had a header blocked on the line before Lavery burst clear, shrugged off a City defender and beat the keeper from close range.

After 72 minutes Ainsley came on to turn back the clock and play in his original role as a striker as Town looked for an equaliser.

Instead it was the Foxes who broke away against the run of play for Burns to beat McLoughlin at the near post.

There was still time for Lavery to force an outstanding save from the visiting keeper before Ainsley pulled a goal back with a solo run and finish that left City with a few nervous moments before their noisy celebrations at the final whistle.

Lavery and the two central defenders Rory McKeown and Joe White were outstanding for Town while referee Pickford contributed to fine match.

Ipswich: McLoughlin, Bennett, Dunbar, Hyam, McKeown, Whight, Brandon, Carson, Lavery, Simmons, Griffiths. Substitutes: Ainsley, Jones, Massey.

The U16’s enjoyed a 3-2 victory over Leicester.

Tomorrow (SAT) Norwich City are the visitors to Playford Road with an 11am kick-off.