LSHC Ladies First v Ipswich

Played Home on 15th March 2020
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21st Mar 2020 Mens' 1st - Home vs UEA 1sts

On the official pitch opening day, a Long Sutton Ladies side took on a very experienced Ipswich Ladies which included a number of their ladies 1's who play in the National League. Sutton knew that they were in for a tough game but were determined to enjoy the game and take valuable experience from playing against a side who play a number of leagues higher. Sutton took off at a blistering pace and took the game to Ipswich and for the opening period it was difficult to see which side were the higher placed team in the league structure. Katie Collingwood-Smith getting stuck in with tackles which belie her petite frame, and Emmy Gittins linking well with her sister Connie to get Sutton on the front foot. Indeed Ipswich's National League Goalkeeper had to be on high alert to keep Sutton from taking the lead. With Lucy Smith on the left side of defence having an absolute stormer of a game, Sutton were not giving anything away and if Ipswich did occasionally breach the resolute Sutton defence to include Tania White, Maisie Sullivan and Lisa Baker, young goalkeeper Emily Braginton showed that she is more than capable at playing at this level, repelling all that came her way. With a squad of 15 to chose from Sutton were able to bring on reinforcements at will and those entering the fray, Charlotte Walsh, Imogen Cooper and Esme Whitelam all slotted in to ensure that Sutton were an equal match. So much so that with almost her first touch Imogen Cooper drove at Ipswich down the right flank and almost gave Sutton the lead. At half-time the team talk was positive, although they knew that they would have to continue to work hard. Ipswich were obviously keen to show their superiority and started the second half strongly, and a driving run from midfield saw a ball fired into the D and a smart deflection took the ball past the new GK, Wallis who could do nothing. 1-0 Ipswich. Sutton continued to work hard and Amber Jones was playing intelligently at left midfield to try to link defence to the attacking duo of Connie Gittins and Hannah Baker, who had temporarily left her County Colleagues in King's Lynn. Gemma Parr was working hard in front of the back four to mop up any attacks that Ipswich could muster but they breached the D and won a number of short corners against a tiring Sutton defence. However as is often the case this season Maisie Sullivan running out one was excellent again in thwarting the threat. Even with a changed short corner defence, seeing Emmy Gittins coming back for an unfamiliar role, Ipswich were unable to add to their tally. An excellent game, played in excellent spirit and a fitting spectacle for the opening ceremony. Man of the match went unanimously to Lucy Smith for an excellent performance.