Former Norwich City midfielder Phil Mulryne played a starring role as Ipswich's second string recorded a 3-1 victory over Colchester. The 28-year-old midfielder, who has been training with Town and required special permission to play in the Pontins Holidays Combination fixture, showed he still has plenty to offer despite not being 100 per cent fit.

Former Norwich City midfielder Phil Mulryne played a starring role yesterday as Ipswich's second string recorded a 3-1 victory over Colchester.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who has been training with Town and required special permission to play in the Pontins Holidays Combination fixture, showed he still has plenty to offer despite not being 100 per cent fit.

An ex-Northern Ireland colleague of Ipswich boss Jim Magilton, he is hoping to get himself fixed up with a club, although an contract at Portman Road is unlikely after the club consistently distanced themselves from speculation linking him with a permanent move.

Mulryne, who started his career with Manchester United and made his senior debut for them at Portman Road in October 1997, caught the eye with two late assists to turn the game Town's way.

He is available on a free transfer after his release by Cardiff, where he managed to start just one Championship fixture last season.

Norwich spent £500,000 to take him from Old Trafford in March, 1999, and he scored 20 goals in 178 appearances for the Canaries before moving to Wales last summer on a Bosman free transfer.

The game, played at the club's Playford Road training ground, was deadlocked at 1-1 when Mulryne made his appearance 13 minutes into the second half.

By far the most experienced player on the field, he created the chances from which fellow substitute Darryl Knights and Liam Trotter netted twice in two minutes near the end.

Knights was handily placed to score on the rebound in the 85th minute after Colchester keeper Dean Gerken could only parry Mulryne's crisp drive from 25 yards.

Then Mulryne cleverly chipped the ball into the area and Trotter claimed a second headed goal, having opened the scoring in the 10th minute.

Town wasted further scoring chances and were made to pay when the U's equalised on the stroke of half-time through Jamie Guy.