The girls travelled to Bishops Stortford for their penultimate game of the season. Their previous meet was an epic 11-goal showdown where Ipswich game out on top at home, so we knew this was going to be a big clash.

The game began with both sides showing intent but struggling to break each other down. Ipswich controlled large spells of possession throughout the opening stages, moving the ball well and probing for openings, but were unable to find the decisive final pass. Bishop’s Stortford, meanwhile, remained compact and disciplined, looking to threaten on the counter. Joint POTM GK Maddie White making some cracking saves to deny any threat that came her way.

Despite Ipswich’s pressure, it was the home team who struck first. In the 43rd minute, Bishop’s Stortford capitalised on a rare opportunity, finding the breakthrough to take a 1–0 lead. Ipswich responded strongly, raising the tempo and pushing forward with greater urgency. Ipswich started to run rings around Stortford, with Erin Hammond and joint POTM Esther Sheldon speeding past their opposition. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when Chloe Williams found the equaliser—timed perfectly, just 10 seconds before the end of the third quarter. The goal lifted Ipswich and injected fresh energy into the contest.

The final quarter saw both sides push for a winner, with Ipswich creating the better chances but unable to convert. The final seconds of the game, Bishop’s Stortford won a corner which could’ve sealed them the win, yet the corner team defended strongly with Georgia Harrold denying them their final chance.

I can’t not include a few mentions following this game. Firstly, we say good bye and good luck to Erin Hammond as she embarks on her next steps with university studies. Another is a player who has met, yet another epic milestone, Emma Rix played in her 400th 1st league game. An achievement for anyone to aspire to, a real club standard-barer!!