The young Blues went into this game off the back of their 2-1 win at fifth-tier side Worthing in the National League Cup last Tuesday.

John McGreal's side included first-teamers Kipre and Nunez in the starting XI as European football returned to Portman Road for the first time in two decades.

It was a stop-start first half as Town had to make two enforced changes in the opening 30 minutes due to head injuries to Jacob Mazionis and Oliver Wilkinson.

The visitors, who featured former 10-cap Belgium international full-back Thomas Foket in their side, took the lead in the 23rd minute via Aliya N'dao which was a frustrating goal for the home side to concede.

Luca Fletcher battles for the ball. (Image: Ross Halls)

Kipre and Nunez played just over an hour in a feisty game with the two senior pros not able to produce many moments to help the young Blues.

Plenty of fouls were committed by both sides and there wasn't much flow to the game, which didn't boast many clear-cut chances.

The Belgium youngsters went down to ten men in the 85th minute when N'Dao was shown a straight red card after he reacted strongly to a late challenge.

Town pushed for a equaliser in the closing stages, but weren't able to find it as they suffered their first defeat in the Premier League International Cup.

The young Blues next return to action in the Premier League 2 as they host Birmingham City at Playford Road on Friday afternoon.

Town U21s XI: Noonan, Elliott, Kipre, Mazionis, Wilkinson, Nunez, Compton, Nicoloau, Runham, Fletcher, Mauge.