IPSWICH Town coach Gary Ablett was on the touchline when the Blues beat Stevenage 3-1 in their opening Combination fixture.

Ablett, who recently spent time in hospital, was back at Playford Road watching Chris Kiwomya’s men in action, along with first team manager Roy Keane.

Caolan Lavery, Dave Cawley and Reggie Lambe were on the scoresheet for a young Blues side against more experienced opponents.

Arran Lee-Barrett was called into action a couple of times just before the break, before the game changed after the interval with the home side taking a 47th minute lead.

Billy Clark crossed from the left and Lavery managed to use the wind to curl a shot just inside the right-hand post.

Within seconds, Town added a second goal. Jack Ainsley set up Cawley for a smart 10-yard finish.

Town made it three in the 77th minute when Lavery crossed for Lambe at the near post to slam the ball home.

Stevenage pulled a goal back with nine minutes remaining; former Leicester City man Jon Ashton bundling the ball home from a corner on the right.

Lee-Barrett was the only Town player over 20 and midfielders Josh Carson, Clark and Cawley taking control after the break.

Ipswich Town reserves: Lee-Barrett, Ainsley, Dunbar (sub Whight 79 mins), Carson, Meekings, Eastman, Lambe, Cawley, Lavery, Clark, Griffiths (Brandon 85). Substitutes: McLoughlin, Jones, Tiofack.