Ipswich Res 3 Colchester Utd Res 1FORMER Norwich star Phil Mulryne boosted his chances of finding a new club with a starring role for a strong Ipswich second string in this Pontin's Holidays Combination (East) victory.

By Mel Henderson

Ipswich Res 3 Colchester Utd Res 1

FORMER Norwich star Phil Mulryne boosted his chances of finding a new club with a starring role for a strong Ipswich second string in this Pontin's Holidays Combination (East) victory.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who has been training with Town and required special permission to play in yesterday's game, showed he still has plenty to offer despite not being 100% fit.

An ex-Northern Ireland colleague of Jim Magilton, he will be hoping to get himself fixed up, although an Ipswich contract is unlikely after the club consistently distanced themselves from speculation linking him with a possible permanent move. Mulryne, who started his career with Manchester United and made his senior debut for them at Portman Road in October 1997, caught the eye with two late assists to turn the game Town's way.

He is available on a free transfer after his release by Cardiff, where he managed to start just one Championship fixture last season.

Norwich spent £500,000 to take him from Old Trafford in March 1999, and he spent six years at Carrow Road before moving to Wales last summer on a Bosman free transfer.

Colchester boss Geraint Williams and new first team coach Mick Harford were there to check on trialist Michael Standing, the former Aston Villa and Bradford midfielder released by Walsall at the end of last season.

Weymouth boss Garry Hill, whose team have made an impressive start in the Conference, was also looking at potential signings.

The game, played at the club's Playford Road training ground, was deadlocked at 1-1 when Mulryne made his appearance 13 minutes into the second half.

By far the most experienced player on the field, he created the chances from which fellow substitute Darryl Knights and Liam Trotter netted twice in two minutes near the end.

Knights was handily placed to score on the rebound in the 85th minute after Colchester keeper Dean Gerken could only parry Mulryne's crisp drive from 25 yards.

Then Mulryne cleverly chipped the ball into the area and Trotter claimed a second headed goal, having opened the scoring in the 10th minute.

Martin Brittain's corner was met by Richard Naylor at the far post and his header was turned into the net via the underside of the bar by Trotter's deft flick.

Town wasted further scoring chances and were made to pay when the U's equalised right on the stroke of half-time.

A lack of understanding between Naylor and 16-year-old keeper Andrew Plummer, a first year Academy scholar from Stowmarket, let Jamie Guy in for a simple tap-in.

IPSWICH: Plummer, Sito, Naylor, Casement, Barron, Brittain, Moore (Mulryne 58), Trotter, Currie, Haynes (Knights 58), Bowditch (Synnott 76). Subs not used: Reason, Upson.

COLCHESTER: Gerken, Wilson, Richards, Elokobi, White, Bailey (Elito 68), Standing (Paine 79), King, Wareham (Wordsworth 79), Guy, Hughes. Subs not used: Opoka, Cousins. Referee: Mr D Cann.