Corbin Mthunzi featured in the defeat at Hornchurch. (Image: Ross Halls)
Corbin Mthunzi featured in the defeat at Hornchurch. (Image: Ross Halls)
Ipswich Town U21s were beaten 3-0 at Hornchurch in their second National League Cup game last night.
John McGreal's side featured new goalkeeper Alex Noonan, who was making his first appearance for the young Blues, since joining from Irish side Shamrock Rovers last week.
Alex Noonan made his debut for Ipswich Town U21s last night.
(Image: Ross Halls)
The young Blues drew 1-1 at Braintree Town in their opening game in this competition, with Luca Fletcher scoring for Town, before picking up a further point by winning the penalty shootout 4-3.
READ MORE: Back four issues, signs of swagger and Clarke conundrum - My Town thoughts so far...
However, they fell to a defeat at an in-form Daryl McMahon side, who won promotion to the fifth tier last season - they are currently fourth in the table after six league games.
The Essex outfit opened the scoring in the 31st minute via Joe Kizzi, before Bobby Kelman made it 2-0 just before the hour and Henry Sandat sealed the three points for the hosts with six minutes remaining.
Gerrard Buabo has made five senior appearances for Ipswich Town. (Image: Ross Halls)
It was a good test for the young Blues, who gained valuable minutes and experience against senior opposition.
A big positive for the evening was the return of forward Gerrard Buabo, who was making his first appearance since February after recovering from another injury set-back.
READ MORE: Son of ex-Blue signs for new club after being released
This result sees them drop down to sixth in the eight-team group and Hornchurch moving up to fourth.
The young Blues return to action when they switch their focus back to the Premier League 2, with a trip to Sunderland on Friday evening.
Town U21s: Noonan, Elliott, Mthunzi, Mazionis (C), Lewis, Doherty (Sains 65), Wood, Fletcher (Runham 71), Eze (Pitts 65), Nicolaou (Eldred 80), Mauge (Buabo 72).