Ipswich Town lose seven-goal thriller against Fortuna Dusseldorf

Mick McCarthy's Ipswich Town ended up on the wrong end of a seven-goal pre-season friendly against German second-tier side Fortuna Dusseldorf this evening.

Hosts Dusseldorf dominated the early stages but had to wait until the 33rd minute to take the lead when Michael Liendl converted from the spot after a handball in the box.

Ipswich hadn't had a decent chance before that, but were soon back on level terms as Freddie Sears dinked home.

Dusseldorf restored their lead before the break through Joel Pohjanpalo, who tucked home from close range.

McCarthy made wholesale changes at half time and they produced an improved performance from the Championship club.

Brett Pitman's quick feet and cute finish brought the Blues level before Arsenal loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles sidefooted Ipswich in front for the first time.

Their advantage lasted just three minutes as Liendl headed home an equaliser, and it was Dusseldorf who found a winner six minutes from time thanks to Sercan Serarer.