Ipswich take derby honours with 3-0 win

Saturday 25th February 2017

East Premier League

Norwich Dragons v Ipswich

Result: Won 3-0

Scorers: C Williams (2), L Wheelhouse

On the weekend of the Ipswich Town v Norwich City football derby game, SEVEN sponsored Ipswich made the trip up at A140 for a derby clash of their own. This match was crucial as the Suffolk side are in the top 2 of the league and are chasing long time leaders Bedford, hard.

Their hosts Norwich Dragons were not far behind Ipswich before this match and in fact a win for the Norfolk side could have moved them to within 2 points of Ipswich with a game in hand.

After a weekend off Ipswich started the match in an uncharacteristically slow manner and it was the home side that looked more urgent. Luckily for Ipswich their outstanding GK Ali Barham was once more on hand to make a few crucial saves and the Suffolk side finally began to wake up.

With Co-captain Charlie Anderson and Vice-captain Lucy Dunnett dominating the midfield it wasn't long before Ipswich began to turn the screw. Some great play by Sarah Daley saw Ipswich win a PC and Lizzy Wheelhouse reacted quickest to fire the ball past the GK to make it 1-0, on the 24th minute.

Norwich began to dive in on tackles and were shown their first green card but half time arrived with the scoreline unchanged.

The second half saw Ipswich add to their tally, a fantastic bit of tracking back by Sophie Sexton resulted in her winning the ball and laying it of to Anderson. Anderson spotted Chloe Williams run and the pinpoint pass was deflected by Williams over the Norwich GK's head to make it 2-0.

Ipswich were now in control but Norwich did well to deny too many clear chances, however any attempts they had to go forward, especially down the right, were dealt with superbly by Player pf the match Mary Sacker. Time after time Sacker made crucial tackles and found her way out of trouble.

Norwich were now losing discipline and several bad tackles were punished with more cards.

Ipswich used this to their advantage and with time ticking on Williams scored her 12th goal of the season, a beautiful patient finish that left the Norwich GK with no chance.

The game ended with Ipswich winning a PC but the Suffolk side could not add to their tally and the final result remained at 3-0.

With league leaders Bedford only managing a draw, their second in as many games, Ipswich moved to within 1 point of them.

The teams meet at Tuddenham Road this Saturday, with the winners taking top spot.