TT No.252: Paddy Lillistone - Saturday 31st May 2008; Ipswich Wanderers v Antigua & Barbuda (Friendly); Att: 200; Result: 0-2.

Ridgeons League Ipswich Wanderers played host to World Cup hopefuls Antigua and Barbuda at their Humber Doucy Lane ground as the Wadidi Boys prepare for a double header against Cuba in the CONCAF qualifying section.   The Leeward Island side are coached by former Ipswich Town assistant manager Willie Donachie and ex Town player Bryan Hamilton who arranged for them to use the Clubs' Academy facilities.The teams were welcomed onto the pitch by a steel band and were introduced by the Mayor of Ipswich complete with chain.   On a bumpy pitch, the match never reached any great heights and a goal in each half gave the visitors a two nil victory. On this form they don't look like troubling Cuba yet alone the USA or Mexico. Former Town legend Kevin Beattie and local lad Titus Bramble were present in a rather disappointing crowd of 200 but it was a bonus match for the many Groundhoppers who turned up.

contributed on 01/06/08