CITY'S under 18 side were narrowly beaten in a five-goal thriller against local rivals Ipswich Town at Playford Road.

The home side took the lead in rainy conditions after just 20 seconds when Jordan Rhodes fired past 'keeper Steve Arnold.

After 27 minutes, City lost the ball at a short corner routine, allowing Ipswich to break, and Kurt Robinson slid the ball home.

Six minutes after the interval, City's Danny Kelly headed home a Damon Lathrope corner to reduce the arrears.

After 81 minutes, Town substitute Liam Barratt slid the ball past Arnold to make it 3-1.

But City never gave up and, with just two minutes left, Jordan Yong (pictured) fired a low shot past 'keeper Plummer.

Ipswich Town Under-18: Plummer, Clemo, Robinson, Williams, Watson, Smith, Upson (Lambe 80), Reason, Ainsley (Barrett 77), Rhodes, Murphy (Hyam 70), Subs not used: Ward, Calver.

Norwich City Under-18: Arnold, Matthews, O'Toole, Lathrope, Kelly, Shehu (McLean 48), Asajile (Smith 70), Miller, Daley, Yong, Abdillah (Cooper 62). Subs not used: Steer.