Fine margins

The Ladies 1 hosted East London in a clash for the 3 points at the bottom end of the league table a very wet Tuddenham Road.

The game started off very even with both teams occupying the middle of the pitch well. East London started to piece together the jigsaw slightly better than Ipswich were and gaining more ground. Then piled on the short corners where GK Ali Barham and her PCD team worked hard to run them down. Unfortunately EL found their way through one of the many set plays to go 1-0 up at 12 mins.

Second quarter, Ipswich started to build on their game plan better. Ipswich gained lots of metres forward with some great connecting balls through the lines and allowing them to get some circles entries but no outcomes. Some harsh calls also resulting in missed chances and Ipswich started to become a little frantic. Some wayward passes allowing EL to gain the upper hand and counter but Ipswich’s defensive play was solid. Ipswich managing to transfer the ball out better with POTM, Kat Blake, dominating the middle.

Half time rolls around and Ipswich having to restart with 10 from a green card in the second quarter. Ipswich held their own well despite the card and managing the game brilliantly. Even with a player down Ipswich were able to still get the ball up the pitch and create another circle entry but another chance came and went. Quite a few chances were offered to Ipswich in this quarter, no one on the end of 2 powerful crosses and an unlucky India North being denied her first National league goal. EL also denied of their second goal with the help of defender, Charlotte Satchwell diving and clearing the ball out before it went over the goal-line.

4th quarter and it’s all or nothing. Ipswich had to convert to get any chance of taking the 3 points. As the minutes ticked down they were running out of time, so a call was made to go to 11 outfield players. Having never played without a keeper before, Ipswich performed so well and really put the pressure on EL. No chances but to end the game Ipswich had the final chance to equalise. With a short corner won from captain, Lucy Dunnett this was their time. However a skewed injection and a wide shot closed the game out at 1-0 L.

Another tough 1-0 loss on the bounce and Ipswich gutted with it. Some excellent play but with no converted chances for the points, a frustrating game to look back on.

A huge stat and congratulations to Lizzy Wheelhouse who reached her 351st National League game at the weekend. An immense achievement and something for the younger players of the club to look up to and be inspired!!

Ipswich go into the final 3 games with nothing to lose now. Up next is Teddington at TR, having lost to them in an exciting away game back in November, Ipswich are chomping at the bit for these 3 points. And after the last 2 performances, will they make their chances into goals? Come down at support them!!!