IPSWICH Town Under-18’s lost out 1-0 to an Arsenal side smarting from a mid-week exit from the FA Youth Cup at the hands of rivals Chelsea.

The Blues were hoping to build on their fine win over Academy League leaders Palace.

American keeper Cody Cropper returned and Tom Winter replaced David October; the team was otherwise unchanged.

Both sides made a lively start, but after just 10 minutes Town fell behind when Gunners’ striker Jeffrey Mona Kana netted. This proved to be the only goal, but Town did enough to suggest that they will enjoy a better second half of the season.

There is no academy fixture this weekend , Charlton visiting Playford Road on February 5 with an 11am start time.

Ipswich: Cropper, Bennett, Whight, Jones, Meekings, McKeown, Tiofack, Scotcher, Burke, Carson, Winter. Substitutes: Maduako, Lawrence, O’Donnell, October, Simmons

Town Under-16’s had a great 3-0 victory over the young Gunners.