CATHAL Lordan moved Ipswich Town a step closer to FA Youth Cup glory and today declared: “Now we can win it.”Lordan, an 18-year-old central midfielder, scored two fantastic goals as the Blues battled to secure a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the final at the St Mary's Stadium.

CATHAL Lordan moved Ipswich Town a step closer to FA Youth Cup glory and today declared: “Now we can win it.”

Lordan, an 18-year-old central midfielder, scored two fantastic goals as the Blues battled to secure a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the final at the St Mary's Stadium.

“I'm a bit disappointed we didn't get the win but to come here to this fantastic stadium and get a result like we did was absolutely brilliant,” said Lordan.

“Southampton are very strong and physical but a very good side.”

Town fell behind through a David McGoldrick penalty before Lordan equalised with a wonder strike from 30 yards early in the second half.

“That is the best goal I have ever scored,” said Lordan. “I had two shots in the first half that went into the stand so I was just happy to get it on

target and when it went in I was delighted. I do not get many goals.”

However, Lordan, a Republic of Ireland under-18 international, put Town ahead just before the hour with another long-range effort.

The Saints' Leon Best later equalised but Lordan was pleased with his side's performance and optimistic that Ipswich could finish off the job in Friday's second leg at Portman Road.

He said: “This was all about our team character to come from being a goal behind.

“Both sides are in with a brilliant chance on Friday, but we are very confident.

“I expect Southampton to come at us with everything they have got. It will be a fantastic game.

“They are very quick and strong and we have to deal with that and play our own game.”

Nearly 10,000 people watched the game at the St Mary's Stadium last night and Lordan hoped the Suffolk public would get behind Ipswich in the second leg.

He said: “The fans have been absolutely brilliant on our run and hopefully there will be the same support on Friday. It is such a big game and anything could happen.

“It would mean everything to the club to win the cup and it would be fantastic.”

Ipswich had been without striker Billy Clarke, who had scored four goals to help get Town to the final, but Lordan believed they coped well without him.

“Billy being injured was a big blow but we knew we still had good players in the squad,” said Lordan.

“I was supposed to celebrate with him if I scored but when I did he was too far away and I couldn't run that far to him.”

Ipswich Town academy manager Bryan Klug added: “It was a great result for us but I'm more pleased about the manner of our performance.

“It was a great game for youth football.

“Southampton are a very dangerous side and have people that can score but we kept the ball well and thoroughly deserved a 2-2 draw.”