Ipswich Town romp to six-goal victory over Northampton Town in Papa John's Trophy
Ipswich Town turned on the style during last night's Papa John's Trophy group opener at home against Northampton Town.
Manager Kieran McKenna rung the changes from the side that drew 2-2 on EFL League One duty with Barnsley on Saturday, which included debuts for summers additions Dom Ball and Richard Keogh.
And yet it was a fluent display from the Tractor Boys – one which was rewarded with a 6-0 victory under the Portman Road lights against their lower-league opponents.
A five-minute Marcus Harness brace and a well-taken Greg Leigh header put the Blues in control at half-time before Cameron Burgess' and Freddie Ladapo's first goals for the club then sandwiched a George Edmundson header after the break to add further gloss in a thoroughly entertaining evening.
Assistant manager Martyn Pert told iFollow Ipswich: "It was a decent performance from the team. We made 11 changes from Saturday and all of the lads came in and really took the game on in terms of the style of play. They created plenty of chances.
"The early goal helped, with Marcus in good form and after the third we were in control and there was freedom to the play.
"We attacked the game well. The boss spoke before the match about maintaining standards and we saw that from the group tonight.
"Dom Ball and Keogh both made their debuts from the start and did well. Freddie (Ladapo) is off the mark as well which will really help with his confidence. The lads were pleased for him because they know how well he has been playing. His work rate and quality has been there just without the goal, but that came this evening. More will come for sure."
The other match in the group saw Cambridge United suffer a 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal Under-21s.
Ipswich will return to league action on Saturday with a trip to Accrington Stanley (3pm).