The Final Push...

The Ladies 1s welcomed Old Georgians to a sunny TR. The league was finalised at the top and bottom of the table so this game was of what can Ipswich bring to the table and create an early foundation going into next season.

OGs took first push back trying to work the ball up the pitch. They were met with Ipswich solid defence before the 23. A strong turnover allowed Ipswich to earn the right to attack. Ipswich passed the ball around well and found ways to break OG’s lines. A few wayward balls went off the back line giving losing Ipswich the upper hand. OGs had to work very hard to get the ball out from their outlets and after some failed transfers, they resorted to trying to smash the ball through Ipswich’s press. OGs win the first corner of the game and a strong defence from Ipswich stopped the chance. Ipswich worked the ball out well with composed quick ball. 0-0 first quarter.

The competition being very balanced between both teams, chances for both came as fast as they went…
A lovely set piece by Ipswich working all the way through the lines to find all forwards composed of Charlotte Yates, Taylor Ball and Georgia Harrold connecting to give Ipswich a hope but a save by the keeper kept the game scoreless. OGs then mirrored Ipswich and got the break away and the ball did hit the backboard but thankfully outside the D!! 0-0 still.

Change of ends saw OG pile on the pressure winning more corners but GK Ali Barham and her team dealing with them all without a sweat! Ipswich countered hard but breaking down before the final quarter. Frustrations bubbled when the ball was overturned and OGs chance at a goal came and snatched away from them at the last moment with a first save off the line from defender Kat Blake. Soon after an epic save came and scrappy tumbleweed goal from OGs… 1-0

The final quarter still remained positive for Ipswich. Plenty of chances still to be had!
A fight was found in Ipswich Ladies, a cascade of opportunities and a huge possession swing. Some awesome feeding balls to award the forwards, speedy balls entering the D and a few short corners. Sadly all missed… Missing those chances, allowed OGs to have the last say… little did they know, POTM and her 360th NL game, Emma Rix threw herself across the line for a stifuling save to rectify her narrow miss at the other end.

The game came to a close at 1-0. A gutting loss but nevertheless for Ipswich a glowing display of relentless work. A tough loss to conclude the season but Ipswich should be proud of their achievements throughout the season! They knew it’d be a tough one and one to easily give up on at Christmas, but the team turned a corner and fought their own battles valiantly!

A few mentions for the final report of season 23/24… Thank you to our manager, Donna for her unwavering loyalty, completing her 34th season! Thank you to our Coach Rixie, who stepped in yet again and made sacrifices for the best of the team and ultimately, the club. Her commitment and motivation will be always unmatched!
And thank you to Captain Lucy Dunnett for another season under her captaincy belt. Her leadership for this team has become pivotal for the players, her ability to change the game with her words.

A strong team takes on East Prem next season… See you in September!!