Town win celebration match at Leiston

TWO young Spanish triallists, recommended by the agent who introduced Mauricio Taricco to Ipswich Town, were on show at Leiston last night as an Ipswich Town XI helped celebrate the club's 125th anniversary.

Teenagers Jose Carrasco and Daniel Orosco played in the heart of defence and did quite well against a lively Leiston attack, with Orosco also forcing keeper Darren Moyes into making a good save.

Leiston are enjoying their best season in their long history. After winning promotion to the Ridgeons League Premier Division last season, they are currently eighth - a top-ten finish would be their best ever position.

Glen Driver has also taken them to the final of the Suffolk Premier Cup, to be played at Portman Road next week, when they face Lowestoft.

Sam Parkin put the Blues ahead on 25 minutes with a good finish from the edge of the area as he enjoyed a return from injury.

Kieron Leabon hit a powerful angled drive to beat Moyes in the 65th minute while substitute keeper Gary Rose saved a Parkin penalty after Jordan Rhodes had been upended. The non-league side gave a good account of themselves throughout.

Darryl Knights had a header cleared off the line and Rhodes went close with an effort.

The Blues gave a 15-minute run-out to Ryan Watts, a triallist.

Leiston included a couple of former Town Academy players, with Stuart Boardley and Blair Hammond making their mark. Hammond is considering taking up a football scholarship in America after getting offers from a number of universities.

Last night's line-ups

Leiston: Moyes (Rose, 68), Ryland (B Hammond, 55), Boardley, Danny George, Wright (Whatling 71), Donald George, L Hammond, Stanley, Roach (Jennings, 55), McGlone (Driver, 71) and Dennett (Sparkes). Ipswich Town XI: Plummer, Krause, Barron (Watts, 76), Brekke Skard (Webster 67), Carrasco, Orosco, Leabon (Rhodes, 65), Trotter, Parkin (Boto, 76), Knights and Westlake (Upson, 65). Referee: T Pollard.

Attendance: 480.