LEAGUE leaders Ipswich Town Reserves crashed to defeat against Colchester Reserves in a Pontins Combination fixture at Layer Road yesterday.The U's second string were good value for their win, courtesy of first-half goals from Thomas Webb and Rob Davies.

By Carl Marston

LEAGUE leaders Ipswich Town Reserves crashed to defeat against Colchester Reserves in a Pontins Combination fixture at Layer Road yesterday.

The U's second string were good value for their win, courtesy of first-half goals from Thomas Webb and Rob Davies.

Youth team hot-shot Webb broke the deadlock after 14 minutes and West Brom trialist Davies doubled the lead ten minutes later.

United fielded five youth team players in their side, with only goalkeeper Aidan Davison, defender George Elokobi and striker Jamie Guy boasting first-team experience.

Ipswich had a more experienced side on show but Bryan Klug's men were second best most of the time.

Town were denied by the woodwork after seven minutes when George O'Callaghan's towering header ricocheted off the inside of the post and dropped to safety.

The home side created most of the early chances and midfielder Anthony Wordsworth nearly broke the deadlock with a left-footed shot well saved by Shane Supple.

The U's took the lead with a route-one goal when Town's defence failed to deal with Davison's big punt forward. Webb won the chase and planted the ball beyond the reach of onrushing Supple.

Billy Clarke was keen to shine against the club with whom he had spent a month loan last season and he almost forced an equaliser with a shot on the turn that was pushed around the post by Davison.

United continued to dictate and the highly-rated Medi Elito was released following a strong challenge from team-mate Wordsworth and capped a strong run with an accurate cross in the direction of Guy, who rifled a shot into the side-netting.

After 24 minutes, the hosts scored their second, thanks to an exquisite free-kick from Davies.

Elito earned the free-kick with a powerful run that was cut short by a late challenge from centre-half Ollie Fenn and Davies obliged with an unstoppable shot from 22 yards.

Supple remained the busier of the two keepers after the break. The 19-year-old smothered a snap-shot from Webb and then blocked Guy's angled drive at his near post.

Town enjoyed some good possession during the later stages, without a cutting edge.

A patient build-up ended with Scott Barron having a goalbound shot well blocked by young defender Thomas Devaux.