MATT Richards came on at half-time to make a successful return from injury at Millfield last night.The first team left-back was delighted to get 45 minutes under his belt.

MATT Richards came on at half-time to make a successful return from injury at Millfield last night.

The first team left-back was delighted to get 45 minutes under his belt. He had a chance to mark the comeback with a goal, but blazed over the bar.

A Liam Craig header settled the game. Ridgeons League side Hadleigh were solid, organised and disciplined but the quick youngsters showed terrific movement and passing to keep them on the back foot.

John McGreal and Jermaine Wright were set to play, but a stiff back put paid to McGreal's plans and Wright was not quite ready although he has recovered from a groin problem.

Matt Bloomfield was among the watching players and is eager to get back playing after a knee operation.

He said: "My fitness felt good and hopefully I can now get back with the first team.

"The game was quite tight although the bobbly pitch did not help us."

The youngsters worked hard for their first-half lead with Matt Robinson the architect. His deep, angled cross was met by Craig who headed in off the post three minutes before the break.

Hadleigh were without five senior players, three on holiday, two on honeymoon, but played well, especially in the first half.

Joe Royle, Willie Donachie and Tony Mowbray were among the 350 crowd.

Hadleigh United: W Donovan, Sheldrake, Crawford, M Donovan, Pritchard, Vhinnery, Ferrago, Snell, Curtis, Godbold, Becket, Goulbourn, Gaston, Cracknell, Oakes, K Donovan, Welton.

Ipswich Town: Peat, Artun (Manning, 60) Okay (Richards, 46) Flack, Mitchell, Hogg, Robinson (Knight, 62) Kamara, Reid, Craig (Clarke, 74) Barron (Boardley, 56)

Referee: Matt Clarke (Harwich).

Attendance: 350.