We started off early by awarding lemon of the day for a missing skort for Katie before we'd even left Cambridge and then a long drive to Ipswich. A strong squad, sunshine and lots of energy in the warm up, we were ready to go. Solid start, great passing round the back from the dream team Jenny B, Jenny T and Carrie with balls pinged forward amongst the midfields up to our energetic forwards making sweeping runs into the D. We had multiple chances on goal but couldn’t quite connect the ball in. 

Ipswich seeking to change things up, transitioned to a half court press which caught us off guard and took us time to adjust. With long balls closed off, work from the screens; Kate, Alice and Katie, we moved the ball up the pitch to the inners Jess R, Jess B, Alice, Lucy and Soph to try break through the press. After a few Ipswich breaks on the ball seen off by Loopy and the defence, they followed up with a short corner which was driven into the back of the net with a strong hit – not much we could’ve done with that one, 1-0. 

Undeterred, we regrouped at half time with a sweet treat and a new plan on how to break down the press. We battled hard in the second half but with some creative umpiring and strong pressing from Ipswich, we were still having difficulties. 

Our chances in the second half materialized through a series of short corners resulting in near misses and daring runs for the baseline from Jenny B and the forwards, Kerryn, Maddy, Hannah and Lily. However, Ipswich’s strong defending and goalkeeping remained the barrier for us scoring our much-needed goals.   

After winning a free-hit at the halfway line, the ball was taken quickly by Jess R, moved up the pitch by the forwards and back to Jess to smash into the back of the net. Our excitement however was short lived as umpires reversed the decision for a change in direction of the original free hit. Driven by the unfortunate disallowed goal, we pushed for the last ten minutes, cutting the pitch and pressuring Ipswich defenders, winning the ball and driving forward in attempt to reclaim the game. Unfortunately, fortune was not on our side, and a bobble over Katie’s stick on a short corner stop sealed our fate as the final whistle sounded.  

Moods were lifted after a ‘cheeky’ shower, yummy teas and plenty of positives and things to work on to take forward next week. MOM votes were shared between Jenny ‘Lead’man for making it to the baseline and being as solid as usual, Kate for brilliant tackles and game control and Katie for efforts and chasing the ball down.