Shane McLoughlin’s first-half strike was enough to earn Ipswich Town’s Under 21s a well-earned 1-0 win against Queens Park Rangers at Playford Road this afternoon.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich U21 v QPR.Ipswich U21 v QPR. (Image: Archant)

The Tractor Boys had drawn four and lost five of their last nine U21 Professional Development League 2 South Division fixtures ahead of hosting fourth place QPR.

But McLoughlin’s 34th minute goal was enough to end Ipswich’s winless run, and now leaves them only bottom of the table by goal difference.

Needham Market’s Keiran Morphew was handed a recall back into Town’s starting line-up, and partnered under 21s captain Joe Robinson in the centre of a defence who secured a clean sheet for the first time since August 17.

Ipswich did have chances to double their advantage in the second-half, but they did have goalkeeper Jacob Marsden to thank after he made a good save from a Ryan Manning free-kick.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich U21 v QPR. Kieron Morphew in action.Ipswich U21 v QPR. Kieron Morphew in action. (Image: Archant)

In the first-half Andreas Komodikis struck the post for the visitors, while the final chance of the game saw Town substitute Cemal Ramadan fire straight at the goalkeeper.