A STRONG Ipswich Town side slipped to a heavy 3-0 defeat to Blue Square Premier side Stevenage Borough in a pre-season friendly.

A Town side featuring the likes of Alan Lee, Jason De Vos and Owen Garvan suffered their first pre-season loss at Broadhall Way.

It took Boro' just nine minutes to take the lead through John Nutter.

He slotted home from the penalty spot after Bruce had brought down Mitchell Cole.

Lee went close twice for Ipswich before half-time but Stevenage doubled their lead a minute after the break when Ollie Allen finished well.

De Vos forced Stevenage keeper Shane Gore to make a good save and Jon Walters had a shot saved.

But it was the non-league side that had the last say. Paul Hakin tapped in Stevenage's third, after Town keeper Shane Supple had initially made a good save.

Town are in pre-season action again tonight when they take on Ryman League premier division side Chelmsford City at Melbourne Park.

Tommy Miller has agreed a two-year contract with Ipswich.

The 28-year-old has passed a medical and will sign officially tomorrow and begin his third spell at Portman Road.