Ipswich Town academy sides suffered defeats this week. (Image: Ross Halls)
Ipswich Town academy sides suffered defeats this week. (Image: Ross Halls)
Seasons are underway for Ipswich Town's academy sides, with games this week for the U21s and U18s. Ross Halls reports on the action...
It's been a busy week for the young Blues, with both sides being in league and cup action.
John McGreal is in charge of Ipswich Town U21s for another season.
(Image: Ross Halls)
John McGreal's U21s side, who enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League 2 in 2025/26, got off to a tough start on Monday evening.
They were beaten 5-0 away to Manchester United at the Progress with Unity Stadium in Leigh, with Victor Musa, Jack Fletcher, Jaydan Kamason, Dan Armer and JJ Gabriel scoring the goals for the hosts.
Town went down to ten men just after the hour mark when full-back Leon Elliott was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Midfielder Charlie Compton featured in this game, before making his senior debut in 3-1 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup last night.
Leon Elliott, who recently signed a new contract at Ipswich Town, was sent-off in the second half.
(Image: Ross Halls)
It's been a mixed start for the U21s, who have played two cup games prior to this defeat, losing 4-2 at home to Coventry City in the Premier League Cup and drawing 1-1 away with Braintree Town, winning 4-2 on pens, in the EFL Trophy group stage.
Next up for the young Blues is back at Portman Road as they host Blackburn Rovers on Friday evening in the Premier League 2.
Ibrahim Msabah and Roman Burton-Yurevich battle against Stoke City.
(Image: Ross Halls)
Meanwhile, the U18s, who secured an impressive victory over Arsenal last weekend, were beaten 1-0 by Stoke City in their opening Premier League Cup group game at Playford Road on Tuesday morning.
The sun was shining at Playford Road in a feisty encounter with both sides battling throughout, but it was the Potters, who found the winner in the 73rd minute via Ayomide Ajiboye.
Trialist goalkeeper Calum Barnes, who is with Stevenage’s youth set-up, played the full 90 minutes and did okay between the sticks, showing some good distributions and saves throughout.
Jimmy Smith and Mark Robinson's side return to action on Saturday as they host AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League 2.