The Blues are set to field another very young side when they face League Two Crawley Town in their final group game in the Papa John’s Trophy at the Broadfield Stadium this evening (KO 7pm).
Town boss Paul Jewell spent his Saturday afternoon watching League Two Barnet’s 0-0 home draw with nine-man Accrington Stanley, the second time the Blues manager has watched the Bees this week. Jewell, who was at
Striker Pablo Couñago and defenders Moritz Volz and Pim Balkestein are injury concerns ahead of Saturday s trip to the Valley. Couñago appears the most likely of the three to be fit enough to face Alan Pardew s side.
Town inched nearer a play-off place with a hard fought 1-1 draw at Sheffield United. An Andy Gray penalty put the Blades ahead before Ian Westlake equalised. While a draw was probably a fair result, United were lucky to escape without conceding penalties when Chris Morgan twice handled in the area.
Jordan Rhodes netted Town s goal as the reserves drew 1-1 against Charlton at Ebbsfleet in a Totesportcasino.com Combination Cup Group B game on Monday evening. Izale McLeod equalised Rhodes s first half goal after the break but later hit the post from the penalty spot.