Page 7 - Jack Lankester News Today

Kayden Jackson, Alan Judge and Troy Parrott return to the Blues’ starting line-up for this afternoon’s home game against Plymouth with James Norwood missing from the 18 and Jack Lankester and Teddy Bishop dropping to the bench alongside the Cole Skuse, who is in the squad for the first time this season.

Troy Parrott’s first senior goal saw Paul Cook to his first win as Blues boss as Town defeated Plymouth Argyle 1-0 at Portman Road. The on-loan Tottenham striker seized on a poor Adam Lewis backpass in the fourth minute to grab the games only goal with the three points seeing Town up into the final play-off place.

Town visit Bristol Rovers on Tuesday evening as they go into a crucial run of games against teams in the bottom half of the division, a streak which gives the Blues a chance to put themselves firmly back in the automatic promotion hunt.

Town’s long wait for a league victory at the Abbey Stadium continues after the Blues were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Cambridge United. Harvey Knibbs gave the U’s the lead on 24, before Town keeper Christian Walton saved a penalty from Joe Ironside eight minutes later. The Blues made three changes at the break and one of those subs, Kyle Edwards, created an equaliser for Freddie Ladapo nine minutes after the restart but Kieran McKenna’s men were unable to find a winning goal.

Cambridge United lead the Blues 1-0 at half-time, Harvey Knibbs having given the U’s the lead on 24, while Christian Walton saved a penalty from Joe Ironside eight minutes later.

Town will be aiming to win back-to-back League One games for the first time since October when they visit the Abbey Stadium to take on Cambridge United on Saturday on what could prove a significant afternoon at the top of the division.

Boss Paul Lambert believes the current crop of youngsters coming through at Town is “one of the most exciting groups of young players” he has seen and says they are the future of the club.

Plymouth Argyle target Janoi Donacien, Armando Dobra, Idris El Mizouni, Myles Kenlock and Jack Lankester are all in the Town U23s side facing Professional Development League Two South leaders Millwall away this afternoon (KO 1pm).

Town owner Marcus Evans wrote a lengthy column for the programme for today’s game which the club have given TWTD permission to reproduce in full.

Callum Elder makes his Town debut as manager Paul Lambert makes seven changes to the Blues side for this afternoon’s FA Cup third round tie away against League One Accrington Stanley. Town’s other new signing Will Keane is among the subs.