IPSWICH TOWN 3 – MIDDLESBROUGH 1Town's hectic schedule may seem to be affecting their league performance, but they shone tonight against Premiership Middlesbrough.

IPSWICH TOWN 3 – MIDDLESBROUGH 1

Town's hectic schedule may seem to be affecting their league performance, but they shone tonight against Premiership Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough didn't field their best players for this third round Worthington Cup meeting, but with Town's recent track record, many expected them to still be formidable opponents.

The first half began in the best way possible for the Blues, with a goal from Thomas Gaardsoe in under 2 minutes. Ipswich held most of the possession in the half and goalkeeper James Pullen only had a few Middlesbrough shots to contend with, which he did with little problem.

Tommy Miller and Fabian Wilnis tore up the midfield and were both instrumental in the second and third Town goals. Miller got in the cross which led to Jamie Clapham's goal after 40 minutes, and only four minutes later, Wilnis crossed for Darren Bent to make it three before the break.

Ipswich play a very relaxed second half with a comfortable lead and Joe Royle was able to put some of the younger and less experienced players on the field, to see what the other members of the Town Squad are like.

Both sides played well in the second half, but Middlesbrough never really put any pressure on Town's lead. Queudrue grabbed a consolation goal three minutes from time, but it just wasn't enough to take the Premiership team through.

Ipswich go into the last sixteen of the Worthington Cup, and we all wait to see who they will be drawn against on Saturday.