MARTIJN Reuser gave Blues boss Joe Royle a sharp reminder that he is back to his best and pushing hard for a return to the starting line-up with a two-goal salvo in a 3-0 victory at AFC Sudbury last night.

MARTIJN Reuser gave Blues boss Joe Royle a sharp reminder that he is back to his best and pushing hard for a return to the starting line-up with a two-goal salvo in a 3-0 victory at AFC Sudbury last night, writes Derek Davis.

The Dutchman, who graced Wembley and scored, and has won a World Club Cup championship with Ajax, showed he is still a class act as he worked like a Trojan at the more humble surrounds of the King's Marsh stadium.

Playing up front alongside Dean Bowditch in a 4-4-2, Reuser might have had a hat-trick but for a fine save by Dean Greygoose and a goal-line clearance by Neil Calver.

But, goals apart, his work-rate and determination were very much in evidence and the 28-year-old is looking as sharp as ever.

After completing his first full 90 minutes of the pre-season he outlined his determination to prove his worth at Ipswich, although he knows good shows will attract other clubs looking for a top-class player on a free.

He said: "I just want a first-team place. I know I'm fit and sharp and all you can do is score goals as I did.

"I can play up front but with the two Bents and Pablo all gelling so well and playing well I know I have to bide my time or I can play wide depending on how we play.

"We don't have a big squad so I just have to wait for my chance and then show the manager what I can do.

"I know people are watching but I just want to do well for Ipswich as I hope I'm showing by being fit and looking so sharp."

Alun Armstrong was pulled out in the afternoon as a precaution to a slight strain in an upper leg allowing Reuser his chance to shine.

It was a nostalgic night for Matt Bloomfield, whose dad Steve used to play for Sudbury Town and he used to watch him at the old Priory Stadium.

Jermaine Wright proved his fitness with a full game while John McGreal was his usual composed self in getting another good 54 minutes under his belt.

Lewis Price will be pleased with his performance in keeping a clean sheet and will take his place on the bench against Reading on Saturday.

Reuser opened the scoring after 12 minutes when he drove low into the bottom corner after a Bowditch effort from a Gerard Nash cross was blocked.

Jermaine Wright snatched the second as he followed up a blocked Ian Westlake shot after putting him in with a deft pass in the first place.

The Dutchman collected an angled pass from Wright to drive in a powerful shot two minutes before half-time.

Sudbury showed glimpses of their quality, especially early on, with some bright passing and inventive play but missed chances proved costly. Price was equal to efforts from Andrew Claydon and new signing Neil Calver, then made a brave save at the feet of Paul Betson.

Simon Head scorned a chance from eight yards when he skied his shot when unmarked.

Gary Harvey's team may have lost their unbeaten pre-season record but Suffolk's top non-league side will have benefited from such a stiff work-out before their attempt to win the Ridgeons (formerly Jewson) League for the fourth successive season, starts in 10 days' time.

AFC Sudbury: Greygoose, Norfolk, Bishop, D Head, Tracey, Cheetham, S Head, Claydon, Banya, Calver and Francis. Rolling subs used in the second half: Bennett, Hyde, Betson, Girling, Day, Owen, Howlett, Thompson and Patrick.

Ipswich Town Reserves: Price, Nash, Hogg, Bloomfield, McGreal (Mitchell, 54), Collins, Abidallah, Wright, Bowditch, Reuser and Westlake (Barron, 75). Substitutes not used: Peat, Kamara and Craig.

Referee: Jerry Woodroffe (Cambs).

Attendance: 651.