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Match Report: Ipswich Town Ladies 2 - 1 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

Posted on: Mon 17 Dec 2007

Sunday 16th December 2007

At King George V Playing Field, Whitton United FC

Match Report:

Ipswich Town Ladies 2 - 1 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

(South East Combination)

Ipswich Town Ladies moved a step closer to the South East Combination title with a victory over Rushden & Diamonds Ladies, but the visitors were left wondering just how they failed to return home without at least one point. Despite numerous chances, they failed to get the ball into the net until the 91st minute and it was not enough to cancel out goals from Kat Parnell and Kristie Turner either side of the break.

After the postponement of their last two games due to the weather, the Diamonds management team of Vicky Gallagher and Tony Blake played an attacking 4-3-3 formation, Gallagher leading the attack with top scorer Mikaela Welford and Charly Wright.

Diamonds started strongly taking the game to Ipswich from the kick-off with Laura Dunn having an early chance, heading too close to the keeper following a corner. They were quick at closing down the home side, and when a clearance by Lindsey Smith was blocked by Anna McLeod, her first touch just took the ball wide leaving the angle too narrow to squeeze the ball home.

Ipswich were reduced to the odd break out of defence, but on 10 minutes, Sarah Clarke's challenge on keeper Charlene Ward ended with the ball in the net, but the referee deemed the challenge unfair. Fay Howell playing at left back suffered an ankle injury during an attacking run forward and had retire early on with Rosie Thurston coming off the bench into the back four. Diamonds continued to push forward and on 13 minutes, Amy O'Brien sent a long ball forward to Aileen Whelan. Gallagher side-footed the cross towards goal, but her shot was blocked by a defender. Anna McLeod followed up and keeper Faye Lunn did well to turn the ball over the bar.

Town's main danger came from Kat Parnell as the midfield tried to get the ball out to the pacey left winger at every opportunity, and Kirsty Cooper did well to block Kristie Turner's shot on goal after a cross. But it was Diamonds who had a succession of chances saved, blocked or off target. With Ipswich on the back foot, their defence did well to keep the scores level.

An injury to Amy O'Brien resulted in the full back having to leave the field for treatment, and Ipswich took maximum advantage as against the run of play, they took the lead. On 40 minutes, Michelle Allum and Kristie Turner combined well to set up the unmarked Kat Parnell who fired past the Rushden keeper.

Half time: Ipswich Town 1 - 0 R&D Ladies

Diamonds started the second half in the same manner as the first, with Welford and Whelan both shooting over the bar in the opening minutes. But another quick ball out of defence from Town's Kim Rex on 52 minutes allowed Parnell to outpace the Diamonds back line. Her cross found Kristie Turner in space to slot the ball home.

Diamonds made a couple of changes on the hour with Stephanie Thompson and Jade Linnell replaced O'Brien and McLeod, but still chances went begging. Gallagher and Whelan both forced saves from Faye Lunn as they continued to press forward but it gave more space at the back and Ipswich substitute Hannah Gordon shot over the bar when the defence failed to clear.

Diamonds did eventually get the ball in the net one minute into injury time when Vicky Gallagher volleyed the ball home from fifteen yards, but there was not enough time left for them to get something from the game.

Full time: Ipswich Town 2 - 1 R&D Ladies

Ipswich look to be heading for promotion, with only one defeat so far this season. Diamonds Ladies looked much more positive going forward than they have been of late and despite the result, was one of their better performances this season. They now take a break over the Christmas period, with the next game scheduled to be played on Sunday 6th January when they take on Welwyn Garden City at the Dog & Dog, Wellingborough Town FC (2pm kick-off).

Teams:

Ipswich Town Ladies: Faye Lunn (c), Krystal Monaghan, Emma Gregory (Amy Howlett 70), Vicki Stephens (Hannah Gordon 60), Lindsey Smith, Emily Blake, Kim Rex, Sarah Clarke, Michelle Allum, Kristie Turner (Hannah Weise 80), Kat Parnell.

Subs not used: Nil.

Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Charlene Ward, Amy O'Brien (Jade Linnell 58), Fay Howell (Rosie Thurston 11), Leanna Doyle, Kirsty Cooper (c), Laura Dunn, Anna McLeod (Stephanie Thompson 58), Charly Wright, Vicky Gallagher, Aileen Whelan, Mikaela Welford.

Subs not used: Nil.

Goals: Kat Parnell 40 (1-0), Kristie Turner 52 (2-0), Vicky Gallagher 90+1 (2-1).

Booked: Kat Parnell.

Referee: Mr A.Dale.

By Dave Mason

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Other results (SE Combination):

Cambridge City 1 Lewes 0

Enfield Town 3 Bedford Town Bells 1

Gillingham v AFC Wimbledon postponed

Whitehawk v Welwyn Garden City postponed

Forthcoming fixtures: