Two first-half goals were enough for Spurs to overcome Ipswich Town reserves at Portman Road last night, but there was a boost for the Blues as Ian Westlake played the entire 90 minutes on his comeback from injury.

Two first-half goals were enough for Spurs to overcome Ipswich Town reserves at Portman Road last night, but there was a boost for the Blues as Ian Westlake played the entire 90 minutes on his comeback from injury.

In fact the returning all-action midfielder nearly put Town ahead early on, but just failed to convert a cross from Dean McDonald.

Westlake then fed Adam Proudlock, but his chip went wide.

The former Sheffield Wednesday striker then got on the end of a ball from Scott Barron and fired against a post. Spurs scored against the run of play when Lee Barnard bundled in a corner on 22 minutes and the striker had a simple tap-in for the second 12 minutes later after a cross evaded the Ipswich defence.

Barnard could have netted a hat-trick but shot just wide after the hour mark as Spurs began to take control of the match.

Proudlock, who was a threat throughout, nearly netted a consolation late on, but his shot was blocked after he was set up by substitute Billy Clarke.

As well as Westlake, Gerard Nash, who had knee surgery in the summer, completed 90 minutes.

TEAMS

Ipswich Town Reserves: Supple, Moore, Barron (Clarke, 62) Westlake, Collins, Nash, Peters (Haynes, 62) Lordan, McDonald, Proudlock and Craig.

Subs not used: Casement and Ainsley.

Tottenham Hotspur Reserves: Forecast, Pamarot, McKie, McKenna, Kelly, Lee, Lewis, O'Hara, Barnard, Barcham (Martin, 74) and Daniels. Subs not used: Henville, Smith, Seania and Button.

Referee: M Bull

Attendance: 931.

n Opinion - page 6