Ipswich Women’s 1s v Chelmsford

With newcomers and old faces returning to the squad in Mary Sacker, Chloe Williams and ex-coach and 1st team GK Mariette Rix, spirits were high and the girls were keen to perform in front of a home crowd.

Despite this, the girls started slowly and were quick to concede a couple of soft PCs. Defended well by Kat Blake, player of the match Frankie Rogers, Ellie Scott and Lizzy Wheelhouse, Chelmsford had to settle for scoring their first goal from a loose, bobbling ball from open play.

Ipswich began to take shape and worked hard to get the ball through midfield and into forwards Sarah Daley, Wheelhouse and Williams. It looked like Wheelhouse would score until taken down by the Chelmsford GK in a move which failed to result in a PC. Williams then had her chance, again taken down in front of goal.

Against the run of play, Chelmsford scored their second, again with a soft, bobbling ball from a PC which went through GK Ali Barham and Wheelhouse.

Going into the second half Ipswich relaxed and had more chances with Sophie Sexton putting the ball just wide. Rogers also had an opportunity, but was unable to put the ball on target. Winning a couple of attacking PCs filled the girls with confidence, but Chelmsford defended well.

Chelmsford put the pressure back on, winning more PCs well defended by Ipswich. A close-range shot forced a last ditch save from Barham to put the ball wide.

Ipswich were disappointed not to get more outcomes having had an equal number of chances on goal as their opposition. But the girls go into next Saturday looking forward to a close battle against Barnes, a team who managed to win the reverse fixture with a last second goal.