DEFENDER Jack Ainsley netted the only goal of the game as Ipswich Town’s reserves beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Playford Road this afternoon.

Lee Bowyer played for the Blues as he steps up his recovery from a groin injury which has kept him out of first team action since the start of the New Year.

Josh Carson – out of the squad for the last five games – also played, but otherwise it was an inexperienced line-up. A number of the second year academy players who were recently told they would not be offered professional terms were given the chance to impress watching scouts.

Both sides are believed to have fielded as trialists, which led to yesterday’s decision to bar spectators.