IPSWICH Town claimed a 5-1 victory in their first match of the new season against an English Universities side at Loughborough this morning.

IPSWICH Town claimed a 5-1 victory in their first match of the new season against an English Universities side at Loughborough this morning.

New signings Gareth McAuley and Pim Balkestein made their first appearances for Town in the match, which was played in 30-minute long thirds.

The Blues' goal scorers were Jaime Peters, David Norris, Owen Garvan and Billy Clarke, who notched a brace.

Meanwhile, David Norris and Richard Naylor returned to action after heel and neck surgery respectively earlier in the summer.

Stopper Shane Supple, who spent the end of last season on loan at Falkirk, was in goal for the first two thirds with academy keeper Lewis Ward taking over for the final 30 minutes.

Trialist Adam Green was also in action for two of the three thirds, the former Fulham, Grays and Woking left-back having been with the Blues since last week .

Jon Walters and Tommy Miller missed the game with minor injuries but are expected to be back in training next Monday.

The senior players plus youngsters Jordan Rhodes and Tommy Smith have spent the week training at Loughborough University prior to the start of their programme of pre-season friendlies next week.

They will first face Bury Town at Ram Meadow on July 9.