Ipswich Town U21s 1-2 AFC Bournemouth: Match report and pics

John McGreal's side had third choice senior keeper Cieran Slicker in goal, on the day he was called into the full Scotland squad for the first time for their November Nations League matches. 

Cieran Slicker in action for Ipswich Town U21s. (Image: Ross Halls)

Town were the better of the two sides in the opening stages, creating chances but they couldn't break down the visitors’ defence. 

The Cherries ended up opening the scoring in the 35th minute when Jonny Stuttle hit a low shot past Slicker which found the bottom corner.

The game then became a very cagey affair with both sides not creating many chances, and there were no more goals before half-time.

Bournemouth doubled their lead ten minutes after the restart when Toure Williams rolled the ball into the net to give the young Blues a mountain to climb.  

Jacob Mazionis was sent off in the second half. (Image: Ross Halls)

Town did respond well to going two behind though as they reduced the deficit when Rio Morgan hit a shot from the edge of the box just after the hour mark. 

The young Blues were unable to find a leveller though and skipper Jacob Mazionis saw red for a second bookable offence with nine minutes remaining. 

Overall, it was a frustrating game for Town, who were on top for most of the clash but weren't good enough in final third. 

Slicker, who hasn't played much football, didn't really have much to do during the game and wasn't at fault for either goal. 

Morgan and Tudor Mendel-Idowu were lively down the wings as ever, causing the away defence problems, but couldn't find the leveller in the final moments. 

The young Blues switch their focus to cup action when they travel to Watford on Saturday. 

Town U21s: Gray, Babb (Jambang), Lewis (Towler), Mazionis (C), O'Connor, Turner, Davis, Okunowo (Ayoola), Boatswain, Taylor, Nwabueze (Mendel-Idowu).