JACK Marriott ensured East Anglian bragging rights remained on hold for now after Ipswich Under-18s drew with Norwich City 1-1.

Marriott struck just 60 seconds after Town had gone behind with a point apiece a fair outcome from an extremely scrappy encounter.

Early exchanges were even, an Elliott Scotcher free-kick was glanced over by Joe Whight before Conor O’Donnell was forced to make two smart saves at the other end.

Carel Tiofack fired narrowly over and then O’Donnell again came to Town’s rescue with a spectacular stop from City’s Michael Clunan.

As the match progressed, it became a tale of two centre halves as both sides pumped aimless balls forward that were easily dealt with by Jide Maduako and his opposite numbers.

On 69 minutes, the deadlock was broken when Joshua Murphy burst clear to fire into the Ipswich net but Norwich’s noisy celebrations were soon quietened when Town equalised straight from the kick-off.

Marriot’s cross initially caused havoc in the City area and after shots from Tiofack and Jack Simmons were blocked, Marriott was on hand to fire home.

There were chances are either end but in a match that was high in energy and low in skill neither side deserved the three points. The Under-18s next match is on October 29 when they travel to Southampton.

Town’s Under-16s surrendered a 2-1 half time lead to lose 3-2 to City’s youngsters.

Team: O’Donnell, Jones, October, Whight, Maduako, Thorsteinnson, Scotcher, Bennett, Marriott, Simmons, Tiofack. Subs – Lawrence, Meikle, Timlin, Winter, Hammond.