IPSWICH Town lost 3-1 against Colchester United in an Under-18 pre-season game at Playford Road.

Cormac Burke bent a 25-yard free kick around the United wall and into the corner of their net to put Town ahead before Rory McKeown was carried off with a nasty looking injury.

Ipswich made wholesale changes and in a three-minute spell their young side surrendered the lead when Freddie Ladapo scored from the penalty spot.

The same player then scrambled home from close range and Michael Rafter sealed the visitors’ win after 68 minutes.

All of this season’s academy recruits took part and acquitted themselves well. Local lads Joe Whight and Callum Bennett were regulars in the side last season whilst giant Norwegian Nicolay Schroder will form a formidable partnership in the heart of the defence alongside Josh Meekings.

Carel Tiofack and Burke both looked lively on opposite flanks while Welshman Elliott Scotcher showed skilful touches in midfield. Irish Republic Under-16’s keeper Conor O’Donnell looked assured in goal.

Ipswich: O’Donnell, Bennett, McKeown, Carson, Schroder, Meekings, Burke, Scotcher, Lavery, Brandon, Tiofack.