Spencer strikes again as Tractor Boys held by Shrimper reserves

Last updated : 21 January 2010 By westfield shrimper

Review - Ipswich Town

The main talking point for the Shrimpers faithful regarding this Totesport Football Combination match, played at the Ipswich training ground, was the return from injury of loanee centre half Jean-Yves M'Voto for 45 minutes of match action.

And overall he looked OK, whether Tilly will take a chance on him Saturday against Wycombe is debatable, but a dominant figure in the penalty box was certainly missing against Huddersfield last weekend.

Ipswich fielded an experienced side, which included the likes of former skipper Alex Bruce and Alan Quinn, as well as Ben Thatcher, who was starting for the first time this season and like M'Voto only played the first half.

The Tractor Boys certainly started the brightest and missed a couple of early chances before they took the lead on 17 minutes. Tamis Priskin heading in from eight yards after a pin point cross by former Manchester United striker Lee Martin.

However, Southend were able to turn events around and went into half-time in the lead!

After 24 minutes Dougie Freedman set up Scott Spencer who fired home, his fourth goal in 148 minutes in a Shrimper shirt, not bad, and no wonder he was taken off at half-time. Scott could have some more serious work to do on Saturday!

Nine minutes late a low drive from Jamie Dennis found the left hand side of Town keeper McGloughlin's net and it was 2-1.

Spencer's replacement Harry Crawford headed over when in a good position and sadly Southend were made to pay for the miss with only six minutes remaining.

Jean Francois Christophe, who should know better, brought Martin down in the box, and he stepped up to slot home the resulting penalty.

Freedman tried his best to grab the winner when his 25-yard free-kick hit the post in the final seconds, but the points were shared.

Southend United: Joyce, Christophe, M'Voto (Osifuwa h-t), Reynolds, Herd, Asante (Hazell 70), O'Keefe, Dennis, Walker, Spencer (Crawford h-t), Freedman

Subs not used: James-Lewis, Milner.

Ipswich Town: McGloughlin, Ainsley, Brown, Bruce, Thatcher (O'Connor h-t), Lambe, Upson, Quinn, Brandon (Lavery 63), Priskin, Martin.

Subs not used: Ranieri, McKeown.