I’m not sure the perfect 11 will happen this season – when all 11 teams storm home with wins. If you were to add c15 junior teams to that 26 from 26 would be a tall order! However, we had some notable successes on the weekend, results below along with reports from the Women’s 1s and 5s.

I had a unmemorable day on Saturday at Saffron Walden, losing 0-2, but followed this up with a memorable Sunday. We fielded 3 U8 mixed teams and 2 U10 boys and 2 U10 girls teams. The boys U10s were particularly impressive, 1s unbeaten and 2s played very well indeed with a mix of wins and draws. As for the U10 girls for many of them it was their first tournament and they had an absolute blast on a cold morning. Following this I watched the girls U14 B team under James Wrinch’s leadership; he’s got them playing very well as has Billy Bryce with his U14 girls A team who took on and beat Chelmsford. The boys U12s had matches at BSE and at Pelicans and the boys U14 had wins down at Tuddenham. Once again, thank you to all the junior volunteers, hours and hours of work goes into getting youngsters playing and training and my special thanks goes to Sarah Logan and Charlotte Rodd for taking the girls U10s last weekend.

This coming weekend sees some big clashes – the Men’s 2s need 3 points and the Women’s 1s have to win against St Albans to keep up with BSE who are topping the table in the race for promotion to National League. I must also finish on an umpiring note - even more young umpires taking the whistle, thank you Vic Shelley for coordinating everything.

Here’s hoping the weather holds on Saturday and on Sunday.

Best of blue.

W1 D1-1
W2 W2-1
W3 W3-2
W4 L0-5
W5 W4-1
M1 L0-2
M2 L1-2
M3 L1-3
M4 W5-0
M5 W2-1
M6 N/A

Women’s 5th XI

Ipswich 4 - 1 Sudbury

On a glorious sunny morning away at Sudbury, Ipswich Women’s 5s arrived with a full squad, complete with substitutes in all positions, ensuring energy and depth across the pitch. With coach James providing clear instructions and tactical guidance from the sidelines, the team executed a near-flawless first half, taking an early lead and maintaining dominance until the break.

Ipswich showcased outstanding passing play, utilizing defensive pivots for smooth transitions up the pitch. Aggressive attacking play created space, leading to crucial interceptions near the opposition’s goal and a series of short and long corners. Clare, stepping up from defence to centre forward, made an immediate impact, winning a short corner that led to a well-taken goal by Chantelle.

The midfield worked tirelessly, with Emily’s excellent positioning and vision setting up Frankie for a sharp-angled finish past the Sudbury goalkeeper. Ebony’s speed and precision in the D paid off as she netted two more goals, capping off an impressive attacking display. At the back, the youngest members of the squad, Eliza and India, showed confidence beyond their years. Their composure in defence and intelligent passing helped build waves of attacks from the backline. While Sudbury managed to score with an unstoppable top-corner flick – a rare 3D moment – Ipswich remained unfazed and in control throughout.

This was a statement victory against a top-of-the-table opponent, sealing a well-earned 4-1 win and highlighting the growing strength and confidence of the Women’s 5s squad.
Players of the Match: The entire team – for a dominant and high-energy performance across the pitch!

Women’s 1st XI

Frustrating end. The bouncing balls…

Ladies 1s met Norwich City on a bright sunny Saturday afternoon.

The girls went out with plenty of channelled aggressive as they worked the ball out, patiently waiting for the right pass to open up. Some strong balls passed down the wide channels from midfielders Keisha H-B and Charlotte Satchwell. Ipswich made it into the circle first winning a few short corners. Unfortunately a couple of near misses from Taylor Ball and Sophie Sexton but everyone kept pushing and positively encouraging each other to do the right things. A few bouncy crash balls from Norwich City through the middle of the pitch gave Ipswich defence plenty of working to do, but GK Ali Barham maintained a 0-0 scoreline. Eventually Ipswich found themselves with another corner opportunity and this time Sophie Sexton fires it past the keeper and 1-0 Ipswich going into the second half.

Second half and still Ipswich fought to keep ahead, perhaps more than they should be. Norwich then managed to earn themselves some corner chances and re-awards but a strong shift from PTOM Ellie Scott who charged down them all kept Ipswich ahead. They kept doing the right things by trying to play the patterns through the lines. India Goodman working extremely hard regardless which team had the possession. But a couple of contentious moments and harsh calls leading to Ipswich going down to 10 for 4 minutes. Despite being down a player, Ipswich organised very well and kept their discipline and managed well. Back to 11 and the game started to turn a bit frantic which opportunities going a quick as they arose. Ipswich struggled to finish out the game and a bobbling ball found the highest Norwich player who found the goal within the final moments of play.

Too many missed opportunities and a drawn game that possibly felt like a loss to Ipswich. But they go back to the drawing board and work on the errors.

An immensely frustrating game after the home performance the previous week. Hopefully the home turf of TR gives the same energy it did then and serve Ipswich well this weekend when they face St Albans. See you at midday.