Tudor Mendel-Idowu came close to scoring in the draw at Everton. _(Image: Ross Halls)_
Ipswich Town U21 were held to a goalless draw against Everton in their penultimate Premier League Cup group stage game.
John McGreal's side went into this game off the back of their 3-2 home win over AFC Bournemouth in the league last Monday.
The young Blues started the game well with Matty Roberts and Tudor Mendel-Idowu coming close to scoring but both of their chances were saved by keeper George Pickford, who is no relation to Jordan.
Henry Gray made some key saves during the game. _(Image: Ross Halls)_
The host first chance of the evening came just after 20 minutes when Youssef Chermiti low strike was denied by Henry Gray.
Forward Ash Boatswain went close to scoring with a close-range header just after the half an hour mark, but it remained goalless at half-time.
The Toffees enjoyed the better chances in the second half but were denied by Town's New Zealander keeper Gray and the woodwork.
Ash Boatswain came close to scoring for the young Blues during the 90 minutes. _(Image: Ross Halls)_
In the 83rd minute, Town had a big chance to take the lead but Pickford made a double stop to Jesse Nwabueze and Boatswain.
Everton thought they had snatched all three points in the final moments but Isaac Heath's late strike was ruled out for offside.
The two sides are level on points in Group F with one game to play each, with the young Blues next game against Watford at Needham Market’s Bloomfields in February.
They return to league action when they travel to Millwall on Tuesday.
**Town U21s:** Gray, Elliott, Mazionis, O'Connor, Jambang, Turner, Carr, Mendel-Idowu (Nwabueze), Taylor, Roberts (Morgan), Boatswain