Ipswich Town see off stubborn Cambridge United

Ipswich Town have edged out Cambridge United 3-2 in an entertaining five-goal affair at the Abbey Stadium.

The Championship side were ahead inside just three minutes, as Ainsley Maitland-Niles latched on to Freddie Sears's cutback and coolly placed the ball into the back of the net.

Cambridge had to stem the Ipswich pressure in the early stages, but they were soon able to create an opening of their own when Robbie Simpson fired wide.

Town continued to prove a threat in attacking positions, however, with summer signings Brett Pitman and Ryan Fraser in particular looking lively.

Pitman was soon rewarded when tapping home from close range for his side's second before the half-hour mark, after Maitland-Niles's effort came back off the bar and nicely into his path.

There was to be instant hope for Cambridge, though, as Barry Corr leapt highest to meet fellow signing Jeff Hughes's delivery for his second goal of pre-season.

The comeback was complete nine minutes into the second half when Luke Berry smashed home a free kick, and the midfielder perhaps should have put the hosts ahead when shooting over just moments later.

Ipswich managed to regain their lead through David McGoldrick, who calmly converted Cole Skuse's through-ball, but the Tractor Boys were denied a fourth late on when McGoldrick's header was tipped over by Cambridge's trailist keeper.