Colchester United Reserves 1 Ipswich Town Reserves 1JORDAN Rhodes bagged a late equaliser as Ipswich Town Reserves, who have already been crowned champions of the Pontin's Combination East Division, salvaged a draw at Layer Road yesterday afternoon.

Carl Marston

Reserves soccer

Colchester United Reserves 1 Ipswich Town Reserves 1

By Carl Marston

JORDAN Rhodes bagged a late equaliser as Ipswich Town Reserves, who have already been crowned champions of the Pontin's Combination East Division, salvaged a draw at Layer Road yesterday afternoon.

It was only the second time this season that Town's second string had failed to win in the league - they had triumphed in their previous 15 fixtures, before losing 3-0 at MK Dons a fortnight ago.

Hosts Colchester United were good value for their half-time lead, which came courtesy of teenager Tom Webb in the 23rd minute.

Striker Webb was operating as a right winger, to accommodate Manchester United triallist Chris Fagan, and he latched onto Bela Balogh's pass to steer his shot beyond keeper Nick Colgan. It was Webb's first goal since his return from a loan spell at Folkestone Invicta.

The U's management team were able to cast their eye over Dublin-born Fagan, who is a youth team marksman at Old Trafford. He is a product of the famous Dublin nursery club, Home Farm, which also produced former U's star Mark Kinsella.

The visitors only took charge after they had pulled level in the 80th minute, thanks to Rhodes' 22nd reserve team goal of the season. Town then had chances to snatch victory during the closing minutes, but could find no way past Mark Cousins.

It was an experienced Town side on view, with senior players Colgan, Fabian Wilnis, Dan Harding, Gary Roberts and Gavin Williams all in the starting line-up.

Town Reserves have just one game of the regular season left, away at Luton Town on April 29, before they contest a play-off match against the winners of the Central Division. Charlton and Southampton are the favourites for that title.