The Ipswich seven girls U14 team secured a great comeback win again Saffron Waldon, winning 3-2.
The team had to work very hard to get the desired result, with the start of the match going anything but their way. A sluggish start saw the opposition take the lead from a penalty corner. Flora Day in goal made an excellent first save but her defenders were too slow to pounce on the rebound. Instead it was Saffron Waldon who reacted quickest and put the ball in the back of the net. Ipswich had plenty of attacking play with good runs from Megan Bureau and Heather Lane, while Sophie Page and Anna Clough were dominant in midfield. However the team could not make good enough use of their possession, opting to play long balls into the D but not connecting with the forwards. Amber Duff utilised her speed well as a forward putting maximum pressure on the oppositions defence. With Ipswich pressing forwards the defenders were caught napping, not having set up any cover. A breakaway saw Saffron Waldon go 2 goals ahead despite best desperate effort from player of the match, Jess Logan to get back and save the day.

A bit deflated Ipswich picked themselves up. A great bit of in the right hand corner saw Sophie Page and Maddie Mann link up well to create a perfect chance for Ipswich, and Connie Shaw made now mistake. A minute later it was half time and Ipswich could regroup going into the second half.

Ipswich started the second half strong, having discussed a few changes they needed to make in the final third if the pitch. This paid dividends as Kelly Smit levelled the scores in the first minute of the second half, putting the ball away on the left post after some good build up play by Megan Bureau. Game back on!

Ipswich kept pushing and good forward leading and pressing by Connie Shaw, Kelly Smit, Bethen Cherry, Alicia Hassan and Ella Smith kept the pressure on and allowed through balls to attack the D. Ipswich created a number of opportunities after good midfield play feeding time the forwards, but they were kept out by some good goalkeeping. Ipswich finally won a penalty corner and it was perfectly executed, with Megan Bureau timing her slip pass very well and Sophie Page rocketed it into the goal. 3-2. The game continued end to end but Ipswich's desire to get back and track with ball carriers after losing the ball was strong enough. The final whistle brought a well deserved victory against strong opposition. Every single member of the team played so well. Anna Clough Kelly Smit and Connie Shaw stood out in midfield and forward line. Poppy Hayworth-McMillan was a tower of strength in defence, while Sophie Page lead from the front (having already been player of the match of the L3s the day before). In the end the player of the match award was a close vote with Megan Bureau and Jessica Logan taking the honours, Jess just pipping Megan to the line so to speak. Jess excelled at left midfield in attacking and defensive play while Megan had a an influence in various positions and dominating wherever she found herself.

Well done to all the team. Thanks manager, Stephen Duff, and assistant coach on the day, Fiona Lane, for all their efforts and a great afternoon.