Post Match Verdict – London Bees (h)

Sunday 12th September

Ipswich Town 1-0 London Bees

Ipswich line up –

Jackson (GK), Hubbard, Hughes, Egan, Cooper, Robertson, King, Barratt, Grey, Biggs, Thomas

Subs – A.Jackson, Peskett, Quantrill, Telford

Ipswich Town progress to the next round of the cup, following a 1-0 win over London Bees in Felixstowe. A game where Town dominated but struggled to make their chances count. The Tractor Girls were on the front foot from the off, retaining possession and control of the ball, and it didn’t take long for them to make an impact. Zoe Barratt proved too much for the Bess defence to handle and produced a cross that found Anna Grey but the ball was scooped over.

Maddie Biggs has been firing on all cylinders so far, and nearly got herself on the scoresheet again. Natasha Thomas lofted the ball into the area, Biggs made a brilliant first touch to take her marker out of the equation and, with her back to goal, hit the ball on the turn but it trickled wide at the far post. From live viewing, it looked like she didn’t catch it quite right, she was one on one with the keeper and she will be disappointed not to put it away.

Biggs was presented another chance shortly after, when Summer Hughes delivered a pin point cross to the far post but Biggs’s header goes wide.

Zoe Barratt has impressed this season and topped her week off with another goal, following the one she scored in a midweek Academy game against Arsenal. The young Winger skipped past two players before making her way inside from the right wing, switched the ball to her left foot and bent a beautiful shot into the far corner out of the keepers reach to give Joe Sheehan’s side the lead.

The second half included more chances for Town, but struggled to put them away. Bees nearly got their way back into the game, but Keeper Leonie Jackson made a superb save to tip the ball onto the cross bar and was lumped up before anymore danger could develop.

Zoe Barratt got herself involved again, teaming up with Summer Hughes down the right side of the pitch. Barratt skips past multiple opponents before playing Hughes in down the right wing, Summer skips inside and goes for goal but the ball goes narrowly over the bar.

Anna Grey caused trouble down the left side also, crossing low into the area, but Thomas couldn’t quite reach it to tap it home.

Barratt involved again as she goes for her second goal from distance but the ball skims the top of the net as it passes over the goal.

It’s unusual for our Full Backs to go for goal, but Eva Hubbard had other ideas. Not seeing an option to move forward, the Left Back took it upon herself to have a strike from range and very nearly succeeded, crashing against the post with the keeper beaten and King’s rebound found the stand behind the goal.

Zoe Barratt was determined to get her second goal but was this time denied by the keepers finger tips that just about pushed the ball over the goal.

Much like the Cardiff game, Town had the chances to see a bigger score but the ball just doesn’t seem to be falling into the right places. Joe Sheehan, after the game mentioned that it’s something they need to work on going forward.

The Ups and Downs

Leonie Jackson got her first start of the season between the sticks and made a brilliant save to deny London Bees in the second half. Academy prospect Leonie Telford made the bench for the first time, yet another young player coming through the ranks. Many see this cup as one we could win, so progressing will be a big positive for the players.

Player Of The Match

Zoe Barratt’s second one of the season. The young Winger is making big strides since her promotion to the First Team and giving the Town manager something to think about each week.

Zoe’s creative flair made numerous chances in this game, and her goal was brilliant. She showed great close ball control to skip past the two opposing players and cut inside to find space to shoot from. Bees Left Back couldn’t keep up with Barratt and no matter how often she tried to stick with her, Zoe found more open space to run into. Zoe teaming up with Summer Hughes down that side of the pitch was a joy to watch and gives us fans more to look forward to from 2 young talents.

Officials

I thought the officials in this game got everything correct, although the game didn’t really produce anything to cause the ref any issues. The game was fairly incident free with Town controlling the game start to finish. Rating 7/10

Pre Match Preview – London Bees

Ipswich Town take a break from League action this Sunday as they start their FAWNL Cup campaign at home to fellow Southern Premier side London Bees.

Town are yet to concede a goal this season, after their opening 5 games of the season. Many will be wanting to know just how serious Joe Sheehan is taking this cup this season, with Ipswich having past dealings on cup runs.

The League will obviously be seen as the main priority, but having the FA Cup alongside the FAWNL Cup, it will be interesting to see if Joe uses this competition to allow some youngsters game time and how they adapt to playing first team football.

Pre Match Chat

With the likes of Summer Hughes and Lucy O’Brien breaking into the Ipswich first team this season, many will be looking out for the team sheet to see if Joe Sheehan includes any other youngsters and decides to mix the team up a bit to give some of the regulars a rest.

Team Talk

Blue Wilson remains on the sideline with a knee injury. Eloise King was still carrying a Calf injury last week and remains to be seen if she will make the team this week.

The Opposition

The Bees have had a mixed start to the season, having scored as many goals as they have conceded and currently sitting 7th in the league table. The North London side started the season with back to back games with Keynsham, losing the away fixture 2-0 but then winning 5-1 in the reverse fixture the following week. Their other three fixtures are all teams Town have also played this season, a 1-0 win away to Hounslow, a 1-1 draw at home to Chichester and Selsey, and most recently, a 4-1 loss away to Cardiff City.

Nicole Jancey has started the season well for the Bees, scoring 3 goals in 4 games, with Lauren Heria on 2 in 5.

Players To Watch

I feel we may see some rotation in the squad this weekend and would have an eye on Lucy O’Brien. With Eloise King slowly returning from an injury, Lucy has been making strides in Joe Sheehan’s plans, helped by a superb goal away at Hounslow on the opening day and getting her second goal of the season last week at Chichester.

Another player who is pushing for a first team place is Sarah Brasero-Carreira. Another one of Town’s hottest prospects who also got herself on the scoresheet during the week for the Academy side in a 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

Predicted Line Up

This is a tricky one, with not knowing how Joe is approaching the cup.

Sarah Quantrill is still yet to concede a goal but think Joe may give Leonie Jackson a chance between the sticks for this one.

Maria Boswell has been one of the stand out players so far but think Summer Hughes may cover at Right Back on Sunday to allow Maria to have a rest. Cooper and Olivia Smith with Eva Hubbard in at Left Back.

Horwood and Kyra Robertson in the holding midfield roles, with Lucy O’Brien playing number ten and Barratt and Anna Grey running the wings.

Maddie Biggs has started the season in top form and think she will get the nod from Joe to lead the line and allow Thomas a rest.

Hoping to see Sarah BC given a chance this Sunday, even if off the bench. With Sarah, Lucy and Eloise all fighting for the number ten spot in the team, it’s fair to say Town have strength in depth coming through the Academy.

Post Match Verdict – Chichester & Selsey (a)

Sunday 5th September

Chichester & Selsey 0-4 Ipswich Town

Ipswich Line Up –

Quantrill, Boswell, Peake, Lafayette, Hughes, Horwood, King, Peskett, Grey, Biggs, Thomas

Subs –

L Jackson, Egan, O’Brien, Barrett, Robertson

What a day for football! warm sunny day, a Bar inside and a hot food/drink stand outside. Even a couple of dogs come along!, they obviously heard Ipswich were in town!.

It was a slow start from Ipswich on their visit to the South Coast. Having the upper hand from the off, Town struggled to break down a resilient Chichester defence, despite Sophie Peskett’s creative flair causing havoc down the right side.

Ipswich did come close and, as the half went on, the closer they got to breaking the deadlock, but Chichester weren’t happy to just sit back. The West Sussex side hit Town on the counter a couple of times but failed to make their chances pay.

Anna Grey looked to have broke the deadlock midway through the first half when she was put through on goal and managed to nip past the keeper but was denied by the Linesman’s offside flag.

The partnership between Sophie Peskett and Maria Boswell down the right side of the pitch keeps getting stronger each game, and the pair teamed up well again. Creating opportunities and both players are capable of a wicked cross.

Second half, Town come out better and only took 3 minutes for them to finally make the breakthrough. Natasha Thomas picked up the ball on the right side of the box, lays it off for Sophie Peskett, whose cross finds the head of Maddie Biggs to give Town the lead. Biggs has been on fire so far and adds another goal to her tally.

A double change for Ipswich as Kyra Robertson and Lucy O’Brien replaced King and Biggs. King was carrying a Calf injury, so a wise choice to replace her once Town took the lead.

It wouldn’t be an Ipswich win without Natasha Thomas getting on the scoresheet. Throwing herself onto the end of a Horwood corner, and just beating the keeper to the ball to head in Ipswich’s second goal.

Zoe Barrett has impressed so far this season, and did the same again after replacing Anna Grey. Sophie Peskett weaved her way inside from the right side of the pitch, and placed a beautiful pass into Barrett, who touched the ball past her marker and slotted it past the oncoming keeper to make it 3-0.

Peskett completed her Hat-trick of assists when she skipped past the full back, who must have been sick of the sight of her by full time, pulled the ball into the centre of the area for Lucy O’Brien to tap home with the final kick of the game.

The Ups and Downs

Not really any downsides to this game, maybe my sunburnt arms?.

On the upside, a brilliant day out. Staff were great, food and drinks available for those making a long trip down south and, if I’m not mistaken, the best away following I’ve seen since the Norwich and Man City games. Town fans certainly fancied a day by the beach as they turned out a good numbers.

Maddie Biggs is scoring for fun right now also. I actually prefer the Biggs and Thomas combo up top instead of 1 striker. Hopefully we will see more of them going forward.

Summer Hughes starting at Left Back. Summer reminds me of the Duracell Bunny, she just keeps running and doesn’t seem to lose energy, it’s borderline cheating but I ain’t complaining!.

Player Of The Match

It seems to be an ongoing thing now, leaving the game split between two players for this. It was Boswell and Peskett this time around. Ultimately, Peskett had an unreal game and topped it off with three assists. Chichester’s Left Back spent the game just solely trying, but also failing, to stop Sophie. The only way she did manage to stop her was by giving away a free kick. There was a moment in the first half where Sophie was too honest because she was focused on putting in the cross. The Left Back kicked Peskett’s boot in the area, it was one of them where you could hear the contact and see he stumble, but she stayed on her feet to get the cross in, if she had hit the floor, it was a blatant penalty and would imagine the opposing player has her heart in her mouth when the contact was made. But overall, it’s easy to see why Sophie is considered one of the clubs most valuable players. She’s still young but her potential is incredibly high.

Officials

Personally, I though this ref had an alright game, especially compared to some we have had recently.

There was a fair few decisions for her to make as well with two flare-ups during the game that were quickly dealt with. It’s unusual to see, what we would call in the men’s game “hand bags”, in the women’s game, especially at this level. The ref dealt with most of the issues and the majority of her decisions were justified. What did let the officiating down though was the Linesman flagging against Town in the first half. Not only was he a bit of a jobsworth and getting above his station, but he also seemed to have his own ruling of flag timing.

There was two offside calls in the first half that I’ll use as an example. Anna Grey went through on goal, yes she was offside but the Linesman flagged about 4 seconds before she become part of the play. The second one come from a Town corner and to this moment, nobody knows who was actually offside but he flagged anyway. This time he flagged so late for the offside that apparently happened from the actual corner kick, that two Ipswich players managed to have shots on goal before he decided to raise his flag, so a good 10 seconds after the corner was actually taken. I reckon he was side tracked thinking about his Sunday Roast. Hopefully he sticks to being a linesman, otherwise we could be seeing second half penalties for first half fouls judging on his timing. Ref rating 7/10

Pre Match Preview – Chichester & Selsey

First month of the new season done, and it’s a perfect start for Ipswich with 4 wins from their opening 4 games, with only goal difference keeping the Tractor Girls off top spot.

Last Sunday’s meeting with Cardiff was a reminder that those 10-0 wins are a thing of the past now that Town have moved up a league. The Welsh side proved a tough task for Joe Sheehan’s side in Felixstowe and will be hoping for a better display from his side as they head to the south coast.

Calendar 2022

Like last year, we will be running the Ipswich Town Women Calendar. We will be running a competition on our social media accounts on Monday for your chance to win a 2022 Calendar, signed by Joe Sheehan and Blue Wilson. On Tuesday at 5pm, we will be revealing our Calendar design and announcing how you can pre order yours!.

Twitter – @QueensOfAnglia

Facebook – Queens of Anglia

Instagram – Queens_Of_Anglia

Away Ground

The High Street Ground, Chichester, PO20 0QG

Tucked away, right near the coast and home of Selsey FC. The High Street ground is a typical non league ground with a social club. Some will have been here already when Town faced them in the Cup competition a couple of seasons ago. The same game where Natasha Thomas scored a beauty from the halfway line!.

A £5 entry charge on the gate, with cash and card facilities. There’s a Co-op next door also, whose car park you use to gain entry to the ground car park.

Pre Match Chat

Lots of focus on a positive opening month of the season and with so many good players pushing for the first team from the Academy, eyes will be on the team sheeting to see if any will feature in Sunday’s clash.

Team Talk

Eloise King is still carrying a Calf issue, Centre Half Olivia Smith is unavailable. Maddie Biggs has staked her claim for the striker position with the winning goal last week.

The Opposition

This week’s opponents have struggled to get going so far this season, winning only 1 of their opening 4 games, losing 2 and drawing the other. Chichester have only managed 2 goals in them 4 games while conceding 7. Currently sitting in 8th place in the league, Chichester will be wanting to kick start their season, but will face a tough test as Town are yet to concede a goal.

Players To Watch

Maddie Biggs has started the season well, with two goals to her name already. The young Striker is giving Joe a headache upfront and pushing for that starting place up top. Maria Boswell is making a name for herself at right back with her crosses constantly finding their targets and causing the opposition defence a nightmare to keep out.

Predicted Line Up

Sarah Quantrill made some top saves last week to keep Cardiff out and is yet to let the ball in her net.

Boswell at Right Back with Hughes on the Left. An open space in the centre with Smith missing so the natural choice would be Cooper but Joe has used Lafayette in defence in previous games. Abbie Jackson is also an option, although she did play in midweek at Reading in an Academy fixture.

Horwood has been brilliant in the midfield and would imagine she will be partnered by either Lafayette or Robertson, depending if Laffy isn’t covering at the back. Grey and Peskett running the wings, but with King carrying an injury still, could this open the place for Lucy O’Brien to return to the starting 11.

Biggs and Tash have been battling for that 1 Striker spot. I’d imagine Tash would keep it, but wouldn’t be surprised to see Biggs take it from her also.

Post Match Verdict – Cardiff (h)

Credit – Ross Halls

Sunday August 29th

Ipswich Town 1-0 Cardiff City

Ipswich Line-up –

Quantrill, Boswell, Peake, Smith, Hubbard, Horwood, Lafayette, King, Peskett, Grey, Thomas

Subs – L.Jackson, Robertson, Barratt, Biggs, Cooper

Probably Town’s toughest test to date since the start of the new season. Joe Sheehan’s side struggled to start in the first half, as Cardiff looked to build on their midweek win at Keynsham. The Welsh outfit come out the blocks early, test Town keeper Sarah Quantrill and building pressure on the Ipswich backline.

Lafayette and Horwood did a brilliant job protecting Town’s Defence, and can’t help feel Cardiff would have felt unjust going in at the break with the score still 0-0.

Joe Sheehan made two changes at the break, Hubbard and Grey replaced by Barratt and Robertson, as Ipswich looked to make a mark on the game. Town had their chances but Cardiff held strong and proved tough to break down. If they had a bit more going forward, Town could have been looking at a different outcome.

Maddie Biggs replaced Natasha Thomas just after the hour mark and only took her six minutes to make an impact. Bonnie Horwood intercepts the ball in the middle of the pitch, and a dinked through ball put the young Striker through on goal who found the bottom corner of the Cardiff net. Biggs wasn’t done there, a Sophie Peskett through ball split the defence and Biggs went through again, but this time the keeper pulled on a brilliant save to deny her a second goal.

Town should have had a penalty when Sophie Peskett was tripped in the area, and to everyone’s surprise, the referee said no. Even the Cardiff Manager said it was a clear foul and was amazed it wasn’t given.

Not Ipswich’s finest performance by any stretch, but difficult games like these will happen this season and grinding out them results are what matters come the end of the season.

The Ups and Downs

4 games, 4 wins, 4 clean sheets and we hit a 300 crowd!. Cracking outcome.

Downside, Town weren’t anywhere near as good as we know they can be. The first half, we were second best at everything and really struggled to get into the game. Wouldn’t like to be a fly on the wall in the home dressing room at half time, that’s for sure.

Player Of The Match

This one goes to Bonnie Horwood. A solid performance from Town’s stand in captain. Controlling the midfield and protected the Ipswich back line when the pressure was high, especially in the first half. Then, to top it off, a beautiful assist that split the Cardiff defence to give Maddie Biggs her goal.

Officials

This was a fairly poor show. The ref made a handful of strange decisions in this game, frustrating Joe and his opposite number in the Cardiff dugout. The penalty shout was clear, even the Cardiff manager said it was a clear foul, but out of the 300+ people in the ground, only 2 didn’t think it was a penalty, which were the ref and his assistant. Joe was rightly annoyed.

Another example of how poor this official was, it’s reminiscent of the one in midweek. Linesman flags for a town throw but the ref changes it to a Cardiff ball, despite him being around 15 yards away and the ball going out right under the linesman’s nose. How the ref can say he can see it better than his assistant is crazy. He also stopped the game for a player that was injured, even though she was off the pitch!. Worst official so far this season. 4/10

Pre Match Preview – Cardiff

Following Ipswich’s midweek win against Gillingham, the Tractor Girls return home to Felixstowe as they look to extend their winning start to the season. Joe Sheehan’s side are yet to concede a goal this season and will be looking to keep that going as they welcome Welsh side Cardiff to the Suffolk coast.

Pre Match Chat

Three games played, three clean sheets and 10 goals scored, Town currently sit top of the tree in the Southern Premier. Following last Sunday’s home win against Crawley in front of a 260+ crowd, Ipswich will be hoping to surpass that 300 mark, as the club hope to encourage more fans through the gates. Town fans will be encouraged by the teams start to life in the Southern Premier, and will be keen to see more of the same against Cardiff, who will prove to be another tough test.

Team Talk

Joe Sheehan chose to rest a couple of players in the midweek fixture in Kent, with Natasha Thomas and Maria Boswell both dropped to the bench. Summer Hughes made her first start for the First Team and Eva Hubbard continued at Left Back after missing the opening game due to injury. Eloise King returned via the subs bench after recovering from a Calf problem. Anna Grey made her first start of the season on Tuesday night also. Striker Maddie Biggs took a knock against Gillingham, so her fitness will be monitored. Only major news is Blue Wilson who looks to be out for a while following last Sunday’s injury.

The Opposition

Don’t be fooled by Cardiff’s start to the season. The Welsh side currently sit 8th in the league following 2 losses and 1 win from their first 3 games. Their first win coming on Thursday night against Keynsham, where they won 2-0. There other two results were a 3-0 loss to Crawley Wasps and a 1-0 loss to Portsmouth.

Olivia Thompson scored a brace on Thursday night and will be wanting to carry that form into Sunday, to put an end to Town’s three clean sheets.

Player To Watch

Summer Hughes put on a brilliant show on Tuesday night, so wouldn’t be surprised to see her feature again on Sunday. The young full back has a ridiculous amount of energy and could prove to be a big part of Town’s attacks. Sophie Peskett got her scoring underway for the season and has proved, yet again, to be a nightmare for defenders to stop. Expect to see more of this on Sunday.

Predicted Line Up

Sarah Quantrill looking to maintain her streak of Clean Sheets.

I’d expect to see Maria Boswell return to the starting 11 after being rested in midweek. Peake and Smith to continue their partnership in the centre of the back line, and following her show on Tuesday, Summer Hughes to get the nod at Left Back, ahead of Eva Hubbard.

Blue Wilson missing due to injury opened up the place for Kyra Robertson at Gillingham, but if King is fit, I would expect her to return to her number ten role with Lafayette and Horwood in the centre of the park. Peskett and Grey to continue running the wings.

Thomas was rested on Tuesday but come off the bench to score, would expect her to return to the starting line up.

Post Match Verdict – Gillingham (a)

Credit – Ross Halls

Tuesday 24th August

Gillingham 3-0 Ipswich Town

Ipswich Line-up –

Quantrill (GK), Hughes, Peake, Smith, Hubbard, Lafayette, Horwood, Peskett, Robertson, Grey, Biggs

Subs – L Jackson, Egan, Barratt, King, Thomas

Joe Sheehan’s side made it 3 wins from 3 on Tuesday night, as the Tractor Girls took all three points in Rochester. Gillingham had to soak up a lot a pressure from the Suffolk side, but did well for a large part of the game keeping town out. Town had the ball in the net early on but was ruled offside. Shortly after, the referee pointed to the spot when Sophie Peskett was dragged to the ground, and up stepped Paige Peake to give Town the lead.

Ipswich controlled the game and youngster, Summer Hughes, was a nightmare for their full backs to stop. Hughes played at Right Back instead of her natural Left Back position, and teamed up brilliantly with Peskett down that side of the pitch. Between the two of them, Gills struggled to stop them playing.

Despite Ipswich having chances, they went into the break 1-0 up. Gillingham continued to hold their own in the second half. Although they wasn’t creating chances, they kept Ipswich at 1-0 until Abbie Lafayette’s corner found Natasha Thomas to head home on the 79th minute. From there, tiredness kicked in for Gills and a minute later, Sophie Peskett went through on goal and made it 3-0 to send Ipswich home with the three points.

3 games played, 3 wins, 3 clean sheets and 9 goals scored. I’d imagine Joe is rather happy with Town’s start to life in the Southern Premier.

The Ups and Downs

Downside, although not football related. The traffic!!!. Team coach was delayed, so kick off delayed by 10 minutes and getting over the Dartford crossing was……….slow.

Positives from the game. The football was brilliant to watch. Town’s passing and movement was so smooth to watch, it’s going to be hard for teams to break us if we play like that all season. Summer Hughes made her first start for the First Team, and what a show she put on. Kyra Robertson also played well in the number ten role, and caused their defence problems.

Player Of The Match

This was a tricky one to pick. I was very much torn between Lafayette and Hughes, to the point I debated making it a duo one!. But I eventually decided to go with Abbie Lafayette. This girl has improved so much in the past seasons, and it showed in this game. She read every pass Gillingham tried to make and anything within reach she blocked. Not only her defensive, but also moving forward, she carried the ball, took players on and really helped the team move forward into advanced positions of the pitch. Abbie’s corners caused a lot of problems for the Gills, and they just couldn’t stop that ball reaching Thomas for the second goal. Can’t wait to see her progress over the season. But also, well done to Summer for a fine display too.

Officials

Judging by some of the heckles from the Gillingham bench, they weren’t a huge fan of this ref. In some cases I could see why. There was a few tackles that went in, especially on Peskett and Hughes, which I would have personally deemed bookable, but the referee thought otherwise. The penalty decision was correct, but a few others were sceptical. It did seem he was working by himself at times though, as one Linesman in particular just went with what the ref decided instead of what actually should have been. Example, in the second half, the ball hit a Gillingham defender and went out for what should have been a corner, but the linesman flagged for a goal kick, but only after the ref pointed for it. I’ll give this ref a 6/10 purely because he gave us a pen. Realistically though, it’s probably a 5/10.

Pre Match Preview – Gillingham

Two games in, 7 goals scored and 2 Clean Sheets. Town have had the perfect start, so far, to life in the Southern Premier as they prepare for their first midweek game of the season. Joe Sheehan will lead his side to Kent as they head to Rochester to face Gillingham.

Ipswich will be looking to extend their winning start to 3 games as they face their second game in a three game week before heading back to Felixstowe next Sunday to host Cardiff.

Pre Match Chat

Fans will be keeping an eye out for news on Blue Wilson’s injury, and who will replace her if she’s out. Also seeing if youngster, Summer Hughes will get her first start in the First Team following her debut appearance against Crawley Wasps on Sunday.

Team Talk

Eloise King passed a fitness test to start Sunday’s game. Anna Grey still wasn’t fit enough after pulling out of a training session during the week, which could see Zoe Barratt retain her place on the wing. It’s unlikely Blue Wilson will return given her injury, meaning a space opens up in the centre of midfield.

The Opposition

Gillingham currently find themselves 8th place in the league after 2 games. Their three points coming at the weekend, beating Hounslow 2-0 at home. The Gills lost by the same scoreline on the opening day away to Oxford in their other game.

Player To Watch

Sophie Peskett got her first start of the season at the weekend and tormented the Crawley defence. Peskett is one of Town’s key players and missed a one-on-one chance on Sunday so will be eager to get back into scoring form. Natasha Thomas already has two goals to her name this season and will be hungry for more after surpassing the 100 goals for the club mark.

Predicted Line-Up

Sarah Quantrill in goal, who is yet to concede a goal

Joe used the same back four for the opening two games, but would imagine Abbie Lafayette will move back to her natural Midfield position and allow Eva Hubbard back into her position following injury. Boswell, Smith and Peake to complete the back four.

With Blue Wilson out of action, this allows Abbie Lafayette to move back into midfield without dropping anyone else from the team. Bonnie Horwood alongside her, who has impressed in her opening two games for the club. Eloise King in the number ten role, with Peskett and Barratt on the wings, with Anna Grey still out.

Thomas leading the line, and hunting down more goals.

With this opening a place on the bench from Sunday’s team, it will be interesting who Joe will add in. Could Kyra Robertson return to the team?……..or even Sarah Brasero-Carriera.

Post Match Verdict – Crawley Wasps (h)

Sunday 22nd August

Ipswich Town 1-0 Crawley Wasps

Ipswich Line-up –

Quantrill (GK), Boswell, Peake, Smith, Lafayette, Wilson, Horwood, King, Barratt, Peskett, Thomas

Subs – L Jackson, Egan, Hubbard, Hughes, Biggs

It was nice to see us come up against some competition on Sunday. Town have spent the last few seasons playing teams off the park and coming away with 10-0 results, so it was good watching a close encounter for a change.

Crawley Wasps come out fighting from the start, putting the Ipswich back line under pressure and picking up a few corners in the process. Town held their own, and we looked really calm under the pressure. Summer signing Olivia Smith showed her experience and put in a really good defensive display.

Sarah Quantrill was forced into making some good saves to keep the visitors out during the first half. Town’s new number one showed her quality between the sticks, especially when a corner kick met a Crawley head, but Quantrill pulled off a brilliant save to deny Wasps the lead.

Blue Wilson controlled the Midfield throughout the game, but on the half hour mark, Town’s skipper pulled off some brilliance. Skipping past 5 Crawley players through the centre of the field before unleashing a 25 yard shot which found the bottom corner to give Ipswich the lead. We thought Lucy O’Brien’s goal last week at Hounslow was good, has Blue just topped it?.

Ipswich come out the second half and controlled the game. I don’t even think Crawley had a shot on target. Abbie Lafayette, who was covering at Left Back again, kept Crawley Winger Whinnett in her pocket and didn’t give her a chance to get a cross in throughout the second half.

Blue Wilson took a hit and had to be stretched to the dressing room. Summer Hughes come on to replace her and also make her First Team debut, yet another Academy product to make strides into Joe’s team.

It was a solid display overall from Town, with Peake and Smith forming a good partnership at the back and Boswell with another fine performance to top off her display at Hounslow last week.

The Ups and Downs

Let’s start with the ups. Summer Hughes, another player making it into the first team, there’s a clear pathway at the club for young players coming through the Academy. Beating a side that has given the leading pack in the Southern Premier a run for their money since their promotion. This sends out a big message to the other sides in the league that we ain’t just her to make up numbers. The attendance in Felixstowe was 269. Pushing closer to that 300 mark and a good show for new Tractor Girls fans today.

Downside, Blue Wilson’s injury looked bad. Early indications seem to show it’s a Knee related issue but we hope for positive news and hope to see Blue back sooner rather than later.

Player Of The Match

I feel I’ve mentioned her a lot in this post, but that sums up how well she played before being taken off for that injury. If it’s not yet apparent, Blue Wilson was our pick, not just for the goal, but her all round show.

Town’s number four is usually tasked with the holding midfield role, but she controlled the whole central area of the pitch on Sunday. From covering defensive duties to assisting the attack. There was numerous times where Ipswich lost the ball and Blue chased down the Crawley player to recover it and each time regained the ball. Her tackles were on point each time, just to top it off. Moving forward, Blue linked up the centre of the park with Eloise King and brought Barratt and Peskett into the game with her distribution of the ball out wide. Really hope her injury isn’t as bad as first feared. Performances like this will be a big loss to the team.

Officials

I good show from today’s Ref, in a tough game that had plenty of tackles and decisions to be made. The Crawley players certainly liked to give him something to think about, appealing for pretty much everything and anything and, also, one of their coaches that was sat in the stands shouting “they don’t give anything to the away team” probably didn’t help that situation. The majority of his decisions, I thought were correct, but the odd one or two were debatable. 7/10

Pre Match Preview – Crawley Wasps

What a start to life in the Southern Premier for Ipswich Town!. But also, what a difference a week can make!. Keynsham game swapped to Crawley Wasps and the Gillingham game moved from Wednesday to Tuesday, only 1 game in!.

The most highly anticipated game in a long time, the first home game in the Southern Premier. Really hoping to see a big crowd at the Goldstar on Sunday as Joe Sheehan’s side welcome Crawley Wasps to the Suffolk coast.

We mentioned in our Season Preview that Crawley Wasps will be a difficult side, so this will be Town’s biggest test so far and will need to be on top of their game to come away with the 3 points.

Pre Match Chat

Following last weeks 6-0 win, it’s not the result that fans will be talking about, but Natasha Thomas. Any Town fan that follows the Tractor Girls will know Tash has been sitting on 99 Club goals for a few games, but last weeks visit to Hounslow saw the Ipswich number 7 finally get over that line!. 100 goals for ITFC Women! lets hope to see a pre match presentation of some sorts before Sunday’s game.

Team Talk

Last week saw some key first team players out with injuries. Maddie Biggs passed her fitness test to start last week but Eloise King, Anna Grey, Eva Hubbard and Summer Hughes were all sidelined. All four are likely to be back in contention for Joe’s side this Sunday which could mean a change in system.

The Opposition

Crawley Wasps started their campaign last week with a 3-0 home win over Cardiff. A club that has spent it’s time the Southern Premier competing with the leading pack and fighting for that promotion spot. This will be Town’s biggest test in the opening fixtures as they look to build on their opening day win. Naomi Cole scored 2 goals in the Wasps opening 3-0 win and Town will need to keep close tabs on the Wasps captain.

Players To Watch

Last weeks opener at Hounslow saw a contender for Goal Of The Month from Lucy O’Brien. The Midfielder, who is making big strides into the first team as she pushes fellow number ten, Eloise King, for her spot in Joe’s plans, will be hoping that her show in London last week will be enough to see her in this Sundays starting 11.

Predicted Line-Up

Sarah Quantrill between the sticks after a debut clean sheet.

I would think Joe will only make one change to the back four, with either Eva Hubbard or Summer Hughes moving into Left Back depending on their injuries, and join Peake, Smith and Boswell in the back line.

Lafayette covered at Left Back last week, but would expected her to return to midfield if either Summer or Eva return. Joining her, I reckon will be Horwood and, new captain, Blue Wilson.

Zoe Barratt had a good game last week, but her place in the team will depend on the fitness of Anna Grey following injury.

Up top, Miss 101 goals herself, Natasha Thomas, despite Maddie Biggs having a good game last week and opening her scoring account for the season.

This would see Joe changing his approach from last week, but very much depends on players returning from the injury table.