The Sky Blues Under-23s fell to defeat away at Ipswich Town Under-23s this afternoon, in the Professional Development League South.
Defeat means that City fall to fourth in the league, but they are just two points off second place Queens Park Rangers and six behind Crystal Palace, in what is a tight division.
With several Under-23 players currently training with the first team, it was a youthful side that travelled to Ipswich Town.
Four lads from the Under-18s; Tom Bilson, Jack Burroughs, Lewis Green and Billy Stedman started the game, as well as Sion Green, Lewis White, Luke Rowe and Tyler Johnson, who were on the bench for the game.
However, it was a disappointing start for the lads, as they fell behind to two early goals after 11 minutes, when Conor McKendry found the top corner from outside the box and then Monty Patterson doubled the lead a minute later.
The Sky Blues looked to work their way back into the game, but following two free-kicks which were converted by McKendry to grab his hat-trick, City were left with an uphill challenge heading into the break 4-0 down.
As the game got back underway, City looked to chase the game and try and get back into it, as they pushed for a goal.
Although, after 64 minutes, Ben Morris made it five for the Tractor Boys Under-23s, as he tapped it past Bilson.
With 73 minutes on the clock, Sky Blues youngster Jak Hickman was shown his second yellow card of the game and he was sent off for the youthful side with less than 20 minutes remaining.
Finally, with over five minutes to go, Conor McKendry scored his fourth and Ipswich’s sixth of the afternoon, with a shot from outside of the box.
The Sky Blues end 2017 with seven wins, three draws and four defeats in the Professional Development League South, heading into 2018.
City will return to action against Bristol City away on Monday the 8th of January 2018, scheduled for a 1pm kick-off at SGS College.
Their first home fixture of the New Year, will be against Crystal Palace on January 15th at the Alan Higgs Centre, scheduled for a 1pm kick-off.