Ipswich Town Ladies new Development side was formed this season and has won the league title at the 1st attempt the young squad going the entire season unbeaten with 12 victories and 2 draws. One more game left their 1st ever final, can they make it a league and cup double?
Looking to stop them are East Bergholt United also in their 1st ever cup final. An established club with a large youth section, bolstered their ladies side bringing in a few players from Long Melford Ladies after the club, previous winners of the League Cup folded. A blend of youth and experienced players saw the club finish the season strongly clinching a top 3 finish.
The two sides met just 5 days ago n their final game of the season, East Bergholt United taking a 1st half lead, Ipswich Town Ladies Development equalising in the 2nd half the 1-1 ensuring they finished their league campaign unbeaten.
Road to the Final
9 teams began the season in the Suffolk Women's Division with both Ipswich Town Development and East Bergholt United handed a bye in the 1st Round. Ipswich Town Ladies Development progressed straight through to the semi-finals handed an away win against Leiston St Margarets. East Bergholt United were at home taking on Brantham Athletic Ladies a 2-0 win putting them into the semi-finals.
Ipswich Town Ladies Development were at home in the semi-finals taking on Walsham Le Willows 2nd in the league. Reached the final of the League Cup courtesy of a 4-1 win. East Bergholt United were away to Bacton United Ladies in the semi-finals and were initially knocked out of the competition, however an appeal was made due to an infringement of the rules, delaying the original final, eventually they were reinstated into the competition awarded an away win to reach the League Cup final.
The venue for tonight's Suffolk Women's League Cup Final, Woodbridge Town FC. North East of Ipswich itself just off the A12. A large clubhouse holding a bar, kitchen and function room beside the main pitch another beside. A small seated stand on one side of a large pitch dry and firm underfoot like so many others after a dry April. Very cloudy and grey above no rain forecast however the temperature dropping a chilly evening.
East Bergholt United starting XI - Cameron Hogg, Amber Brogin, Alice Longden, Deban Faiers, Holly Prior, Charlotte Warren, Georgina Longden (C), Jess Clark, Cara Savage, Jodie Sharp & Jess Oxlade.
subs - Emily Lambert, Annabel Tricker, Pippa King, Ashlee Jacobs, Sarah George & Victoria Campbell.
Ipswich Town Ladies Development starting XI - Teodora Kodova, Jessica Monk, Kedija Gbaja, Niamh Thomas, Beth Welton, Cat Upton (C), Florence Cage, Destiny Minors, Sophie Leming, Grace Bowman & Emily Steward
subs - Taylor Cooke, Sian Cottrell, Debbie Greeves, Jennifer Purbrook & Elin Davies.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
Ipswich captain, Cat Upton plays the ball up field into Steward linking up with Grace Bowman on the right the latter fires a cross along the top of the area going long comes to Beth Welton skipping up off the surface, East Bergholt's Jess Clarke comes into tackle before Welton can get it fully under control inside the box the ball running away for a corner. East Bergholt clear the delivery played in near post. An energetic start from both sides looking to move the ball quickly long at times space to use.
A great ball from Upton in the middle sees Steward in behind the East Bergholt defence on into the box right of goal, Hogg is off her line quickly winning the race gathers up the ball. Looking to get Sharp away on the left full of pace takes the ball inside looking to put Oxlade in behind, Thomas cuts it out. Amber Brogin gets back to tackle Minors as Florence Cage winning the ball tries to play her on down the wing from the resulting throw Leming gets the diagonal ball into Bowman outside the area, is closed down by the East Bergholt centrebacks, Faiers and Prior closing the door in front of her.
It's East Bergholt to get the League Cup Final underway in the 1st half wearing green shirts with white trim, black shorts and socks, with Ipswich opposite wearing blue shirts and socks with white shorts. Closing down the ball in the middle, Sophie Leming gets hold of it for Ipswich moving right has Emily Steward making a run down the right looking to get in behind the East Bergholt defence taking the ball on down the line plays her cross into the area, swerves into the side netting.
Winning the ball in the centre of the park East Bergholt the ball is played out to the left, Jodie Sharp looking to make ground up the field, holding it up support arriving the ball put into the middle Cara Savage looking to help it on for Jess Oxlade into the area, Ipswich goalkeeper Teodora Kodova coming out to the edge of her area gathers the ball into her gloves. A good start from East Bergholt keeping Ipswich pinned back a little win a throw deep near the corner flag on the left the ball played into the area deflected on towards goal, Kodova in the right place to claim it.
Playing the ball up field looking to put Oxlade in on goal between the two centrebacks, back peddling Niamh Thomas' header drops into Oxlade's path the striker can't quite bring it down into her strike with Kodova coming and between the goalkeeper and recovering defence Ipswich get the ball clear.
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| Ipswich Town Ladies Development Grace Bowman |
Leming looks to thread the ball in behind for Destiny Minors coming off the right wing into the central, Holly Prior gets across in front of her to win the ball outside the area for East Bergholt. Bowman is played in on the ball top of the area, quickly closed down by Deban Faiers and goalkeeper Cameron Hogg, the striker squeezes a shot away the ball running narrowly wide of goal. Another opportunity falls to Steward space 25 yards out left of the D goes to strike the ball, deflected off a defender, Hogg adjusts her feet and takes the ball cleanly.
East Bergholt attack down the right winning a corner kick fired in towards the top of the area is helped on into the middle, Savage running onto it sees her 1st time shot blocked the ball spinning back out to the right. Keeping the ball inside Ipswich's final 3rd, captain Georgina Longden plays the ball on for Savage linking up with Oxlade ahead of her through the middle, Ipswich's Kedija Gbaja makes a vital tackle inside the D to stop Oxlade getting through on goal.
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Little goalmouth action as the 1st half reaches the midway point, a good contest East Bergholt working hard to pressure Ipswich on the ball frustrating their opponents somewhat as passes rushed aren't finding there mark. both sides make changes, East Bergholt bringing on Victoria Campbell and Emily Lambert for Brogin and Savage. Cage off for Ipswich, Taylor Cooke coming on. Clarke wins the ball in the centre circle on for Sharp coming in from the left time and space 30 yards out tries the shot, her effort bouncing in the six yard box is gathered by Kodova.
Ipswich awarded a free-kick inside the East Bergholt half the ball is sent high up towards the top of the box, Charlotte Warren gets up highest to head the ball away for East Bergholt. Oxlade comes off for East Bergholt with Pippa King going up top. Leming drives forwards for Ipswich playing the ball out left for Bowman moving wide ahead of her Leming continues her run aiming to get into the box Bowman holding the ball up well tries the pick her out Leming can't quite take the ball into her stride as it crosses her path. The ball is sent long for Sharp to chase down on the left cuts inside to evade Jessica Monks challenge, the defender recovers quickly lunging in takes the ball from Sharp as she looks to thread it through for Oxlade.
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| Ipswich Town Ladies Development Jessica Monks |
Both keepers are called into action coming out to the edge of their respective areas to gather the ball before the attackers can reach them. Bowman tries to make something happen on the left for Ipswich top corner of the area looks to turn inside, no way past Alice Longden lays in on for Welton, plays the ball across the area Minors closing in far post unable to connect with the ball as it runs wide for the goal kick. Hogg makes a good save at the feet of Steward as the Ipswich attacker looks to get onto the end of a ball lobbed over the top of the East Bergholt defence.
Georgina Longden winning the ball with a well timed tackle in the centre helps it on for Sharp drifting inside once again a little closer to goal this time has another go, Kodova is right behind the ball takes it comfortably. Moving into the last few minutes of the 1st half Bowman casing after a ball played long into the left corner gathers on the byline turning back inside East Bergholt concede the corner, Steward is fouled awarded a free-kick outside the area left of goal, fired in near post Hogg is behind it East Bergholt look to counter Sharp is stopped in her tracks running over halfway by the referee signalling the end to the 1st half.
Half-time East Bergholt United 0-0 Ipswich Town Ladies Development
The energy levels remain the same both sides covering plenty of grass, counter attacking from both sides. Faiers winning the ball at the back for East Bergholt as Bowman tries to knock it in behind. An injury to Ipswich's Gbaja she is helped off the pitch as Clarke wins the ball for East Bergholt sends Sharp on down the left cutting inside is brought down the free-kick awarded, Sian Cottrell comes on for Ipswich before it's taken right corner outside the area the ball is drilled in low near post Kodova down low makes the save.
Ipswich are starting to see more of the ball East Bergholt defending well Steward moving left combines with Bowman rolling the ball into her 25 yards out drives a shot in on target through bodies the ball skipping up off the surface Hogg is right behind it keeps her eye on the ball gathering it up into her gloves. Davies fires a vicious ball in from the right coming near post the ball pops out of Hogg's gloves falling she can't prevent it bouncing behind for a corner again the delivery doesn't get past the near post.
Little goal mouth action in the 1st half, a lot of energy put into the 45 minutes Ipswich finding it hard to break down a well organised East Bergholt defence have had slightly more of the chances, looking to hit their opponents on the counter the Ipswich defence winning the ball. No clues as to who might find the break through in the 2nd half the Cup Final is delicately poised.
Getting very chilly as the floodlights start to take full effect the sides out for the 2nd half Ipswich to get the ball rolling. Attacking early the ball out to Welton on the left bursting forwards passing it on down the wing, Bowman wins the race for the ball closed down gets it back into Welton looks to play the ball into the box is intercepted by Faiers, Minors regains possession right side drives towards the area knocking the ball on, Hogg calls for it the centrebacks split,the keeper just about scoops it up before Minors arrives.
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| East Bergholt United's Jodie Sharp |
Ipswich counter attack the ball with Cooke fired long for Bowman coming inside from the left channel driving across the top of the East Bergholt area looks to slide Cottrell in far side, Warren intercepts comes back to Bowman 25 yards out, her shot charged down by Warren. Georgina Longden comes off for East Bergholt, Savage returning to the pitch. Sharp a constant threat for East Bergholt on the left wing carries the ball inside this time looking to get into the box is tackled by Thomas.
Minors with a powerful run on the ball down the right looks to send the ball on into the area for Cottrell she shoots firing the ball in near post a combination of defender coming across and goalkeeper covering the post sees the shot blocked/saved. Upton rolls her marker in the centre before firing the ball up towards Cottrell outside the area back to goal looks to flick the ball over the East Bergholt defence closely marked the ball in cut out. A quick turnaround the ball long up the middle bouncing in behind King after it keeper coming to the edge of her area, Thomas into challenge the ball hitting Kodova as she goes to ground is free for a moment however King has lost it giving Thomas time to get back at her and clear.
Hogg is well positioned to get to the all twice as Ipswich look to get the ball into Cottrell up top the attacker having made a difference since coming on. Oxlade returns up top for East Bergholt replacing King. A battling display from the East Bergholt defence well supported by Warren in front of them Ipswich are a young side are getting frustrated the ball isn't rolling their way as with 20 minutes of normal time left to play. Sharp with the ball at her feet jinks left and right outside the area before firing in a cross, intercepted by Upton. Minors comes off for Ipswich, Elin Davies coming on.
Good work from Cottrell on the right side getting in behind fires the ball into the six yard box with Bowman making a near post run, waist height the striker can't get the ball down into her feet quick enough to get a shot away as Prior gets back on her to win the ball for East Bergholt. Sharp gathers the ball into her feet inside her own half, driving on holds off a challenge before sending a diagonal ball into the box for Oxlade to attack, Welton recovers well sliding in to take the ball away from her concede the corner. The ball doesn't clear the near post, cleared up field, Cottrell in the centre puts it out to Bowman moving left, coming back inside as she reaches the top of the area plays it square with Cooke getting forwards, shifts it between her feet looking for an opening, none on gives it back to Bowman hits the ball into the area drops wide of the near post.
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| Ipswich Town Ladies Development Emily Steward |
A free-kick conceded by East Bergholt top corner outside the box on the right side, is a left footed delivery into the area on target coming in with plenty of pace Hogg back on her goal line saves gloving the ball up into the area falls into the six yard box players attack it East Bergholt with a goal line clearance. A good spell from Ipswich, Leming into Cottrell central back to goal turns Davies is free on the right plays the ball into her inside the box, drills her shot into the side netting. Possession on the right for Ipswich the ball away for a throw level with the top of the box helped on into Cottrell 20 yards out right of the D turns well sends a powerful shot in diving to her left Hogg can't reach it is off target however wide of her near post.
Alice Longden with a great tackle to win the ball at the back for East Bergholt off Bowman on the right plays it on for Campbell puts it on for Sharp, surging down the line fires a pacey cross in towards goal a reactive save with her foot from Kodova the ball looping high into the air, going to claim it the goalkeeper is fouled as she brings the ball into her gloves. Campbell links up with Sharp again moments later in the middle Sharp to her right tussles with Welton as they run on the defender putting in the challenge just as Sharp sends the ball on into the area with Oxlade coming in from the left channel her shot held by Kodova, play is brought back for an offside.
Sharp remains down after a challenge and is unable to continue piggy backed off the pitch Georgina Longden returns to the action with very little time remaining for either side to find what would surely be the winning goal. Both sides try their best to find it getting the ball up field. Warren winning the header inside the box for East Bergholt. Clarke puts the ball on for Savage late on central charging it down the ball deflected on into the area Clarke goes after it Kodova is already on the move gathers first as the final whistle blows and the League Cup Final heads into extra-time.
Full time East Bergholt United 0-0 Ipswich Town Ladies Development
Extra-time
Ipswich ended the 2nd half the stronger without finding the break through. East Bergholt have really done well defending dropping deeper, have they got the legs for another 30 minutes?
Extra-time
Ipswich to get the 1st period of extra-time under way. Little action as a player is down needing lengthy treatment players from both sides trying to keep warm. Alice Longden can't continue, Brogin is sent back on. Warren gets back on Cottrell as she looks to drive the ball through the centre. Clarke has the ball wide right for East Bergholt, Savage tracks her forcing her away from the area, Clarke manages to wriggle free the angle against her plays the ball behind at the near post.
Bowman is giving chase to alot of lost causes played long down the left and a frustrated as she is, she is getting to most of them, turning back up field looking to force her way into the box, has support from Cottrell rolling the ball inside Cottrell spots Leming coming on central rolls the ball into her shoots from 25 yards out her effort looping up dips too early straight into the keepers gloves.
Changes for both sides Sharp comes back on for East Bergholt replacing Faiers. Steward is substituted for Ipswich, Jennifer Purbrook coming on to join the attack. A lot of effort put in by East Bergholt they are starting to tire. Cook works the ball in field from a throw in on the right almost slips the ball in to the box for Cottrell to latch on to, Warren getting back to tackle in the nick of time.
The 1st period of extra-time ends goalless 15 more minutes for the two sides to try and find a winning goal or the final will be settled on penalties. East Bergholt get the 2nd period of extra-time underway. An early free-kick to Ipswich wide of the area a chance to put the East Bergholt goal under pressure but the opportunity is wasted, East Bergholt counter the ball sent long for Oxlade to chase reaches Kodova inside her box before the attacker can get there.
Cottrell takes the ball inside as she receives from a wide position rolls it into Purbrook given time and space 30 yards from goal pulls the trigger her strike taking a deflection loops but and drops safely into Hogg's gloves. Bowman is played on into the box gathering the ball on the byline left of goal evades Prior's challenge as she turns back inside running towards the top of the area looks to turn and strike the ball, Brogin comes sliding in wins the ball gets hurt making the challenge.
Another lengthy delay for an injury Faiers returns to the pitch. Cottrell goes down under challenge is in a lot of pain after lengthy treatment on the pitch cannot continue is helped of keeping her foot off the floor. Little time left on the clock as play resumes East Bergholt sit deep offering no way through for Ipswich as the referee signals the end to extra-time no goals it will come down to holds their nerve in the penalty shoot-out.
PenaltiesThe 1st period of extra-time ends goalless 15 more minutes for the two sides to try and find a winning goal or the final will be settled on penalties. East Bergholt get the 2nd period of extra-time underway. An early free-kick to Ipswich wide of the area a chance to put the East Bergholt goal under pressure but the opportunity is wasted, East Bergholt counter the ball sent long for Oxlade to chase reaches Kodova inside her box before the attacker can get there.
Cottrell takes the ball inside as she receives from a wide position rolls it into Purbrook given time and space 30 yards from goal pulls the trigger her strike taking a deflection loops but and drops safely into Hogg's gloves. Bowman is played on into the box gathering the ball on the byline left of goal evades Prior's challenge as she turns back inside running towards the top of the area looks to turn and strike the ball, Brogin comes sliding in wins the ball gets hurt making the challenge.
Another lengthy delay for an injury Faiers returns to the pitch. Cottrell goes down under challenge is in a lot of pain after lengthy treatment on the pitch cannot continue is helped of keeping her foot off the floor. Little time left on the clock as play resumes East Bergholt sit deep offering no way through for Ipswich as the referee signals the end to extra-time no goals it will come down to holds their nerve in the penalty shoot-out.
I hate penalty shootouts but then I say this every time I have to cover one. Both sides have battled really hard for 2 hours now it comes down to spot kicks.
Ipswich to take the 1st penalty up walks Bowman hits it hard to the keepers right Hogg doesn't move the ball in the back of the net 1-0
Clarke to take East Bergholt's 1st penalty a short run up but plenty of power behind the kick, Kodova gets her fingertips in it but can't stop it going in 1-1
Steward with Ipswich's 2nd penalty hits it low to the keepers right Hogg dives full stretch but the ball finds the bottom corner. 2-1
Captain Georgina Longden with East Bergholt's 2nd penalty kick a confident strike low to the keepers right. 2-2
Purbrook comes forwards for penalty number 3 for Ipswich hits it hard straight through the middle close to Hogg but the goalkeeper can't get enough on the ball to stop it going in 3-2
King comes forwards for penalty number 3 for East Bergholt squeezes in under the diving Kodova's gloves as she throws herself to her right 3-3
Upton to take Ipswich's 4th penalty the captain hitting it as sweet as you like into the top right corner 4-3
The pressure mounting up comes Campbell for East Bergholt's 4th penalty low to Kodova's right the keeper doesn't get enough on the ball to prevent it going in 4-4
8 penalties converted one left of the regular 5 now a sudden death situation as Leming steps up to take for Ipswich pulls her penalty wide of the post misses, walks away distraught can't face her team mates 4-4
Sharp to take East Bergholt's 5th penalty to win the League Cup opts for power placing the ball high but like Leming sends it wide of the post, it's a cruel game 4-4 it remains.
Up comes Cooke for Ipswich's 6th penalty, pressure what pressure? Sends the ball low into the bottom corner 5-4
Now East Bergholt have to score to keep their cup dreams alive. Up comes Savage blasts it hard through the middle the ball rising Kodova gets something on it sending it on up onto the crossbar to make the save and is buried under her joyous team mates before she can even pick herself up off the floor, Ipswich Town Ladies Development win the League Cup and with it the double in their 1st season as a team!
A very harsh way to lose a final, heartbreak for East Bergholt, a superb effort to keep Ipswich quiet frustrated their opponents without too many opportunities to grab a goal up the other end as the game wore on penalties looked the likely outcome and Ipswich came out victors.
SWF Blog - Player of the Match
A tough call for today's SWF Blog - Player of the Match alot of work put in by a lot of players and it all came down to penalties 0-0 after 2 hours of football have chosen East Bergholt's Charlotte Warren did a great job in front of her defence tracking back and winning the ball when called upon. Frustrating Ipswich good positioning on set-pieces.
Congratulations to Ipswich Town Ladies Development on their league and cup double a fantastic achievement in their 1st season.
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| Ipswich Town Ladies Development with their league and cup awards |
A late one tonight, my thanks to both clubs for their assistance with the team line-ups.
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