TAMAS Priskin netted a consolation penalty as an experienced Ipswich Town reserve team lost 2-1 to a youthful Arsenal second string at Playford Road this afternoon.
Ipswich – whose starting line-up included nine players with first team experience – controlled the first half without really creating many clear-cut chances.
The Gunners broke the deadlock eight minutes after the restart when centre-back Ignasi Miquel headed home from a Oguzhan Ozyakup corner.
The aforementioned Dutch teenager then went from provider to goalscorer, playing a sharp one-two in midfield before guiding home a shot with the outside of his boot six minutes later.
In what was a far more open and entertaining second period for the 200 or so supporters watching the lunchtime match, Ipswich pulled a goal back in the 78th minute when Hungarian international Priskin – subbed at half-time but reintroduced as a rolling sub – won and converted a penalty.
Town then pushed for an equaliser as Josh Carson blazed over the bar and Ronan Murray – introduced for an injured Daryl Murphy after just 18 minutes – shot wide.
Ipswich brought on triallist Max Londsale at half-time, but the midfielder – recently on trial at both Manchester United and Doncaster following his release by Macclesfield – did little to impress.
– Full analysis in tomorrow’s EADT and Evening Star.
Ipswich: Lee-Barrett, Bennett (Hyam 65), Ainsley, Smith, Whight (O’Connor 65); Carson, Healy, Martin (Burke 75), Emmanuel-Thomas (Priskin reintroduced 65), Murphy (Murray 18), Priskin (Lonsdale 46).
Unused Subs: Cropper.
Arsenal: Mannone; Angha, Boateng, Miquel, Hajrovic; Yennaris, Eastmond, Ozyakup; Ansah, Watt, Freedman.
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