Ipswich Wanderers Ladies 1, Lowestoft Town Ladies 4

Lowestoft travelled to Ipswich Wanderers last Sunday, Lowestoft knew this would prove a difficult task having only edged past them by the odd goal in three previous cup and league encounters this season.

In the first 15 minutes there were plenty of stoppages with free kicks and early injuries and little football from either side.

On 17 minutes Broghan Scully opened the scoring when her well-taken free-kick found the top right-hand corner giving the home keeper no chance.

Lowestoft then carved out several other good chances with Flo Cage, Natasha Thomas and Lauren Bullard all narrowly failing to increase the lead. With 10 minutes remaining of the first half a good through ball from Ellie Froud, split the Wanderers defence finding Lauren Goulder who finished with great composure.

Second half Lowestoft started really shaky and it was no surprise when Wanderers reduced the arrears from a deflected shot which gave Nikki Wigg in goal no chance and but for an excellent save five minutes later Lowestoft would have found themselves back on level terms.

Lowestoft soon re-asserted but were very wasteful in front of goal, missing several gilt-edged chances and it was left to Natasha Thomas with a superb strike from just outside the area that gave them some breathing space.

With 10 minutes left Lowestoft put the game to bed when they were awarded a penalty and Natasha Thomas scored her second to give Lowestoft a 4-1 lead which they maintained until the final whistle.

Special mention goes to Ellie Froud who worked tirelessly in midfield and Jody Wells who has done brilliantly since being moved to centre-back.

Enfield Ladies 2, Lowestoft Ladies 1

Lowestoft Ladies travelled to Enfield in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Ryman Cup to play last year’s beaten finalists.

With a depleted team due to illness, holidays and injuries Lowestoft travelled with no substitutes however the eleven girls gave a performance which was full of grit and determination against a team who ply their trade two leagues higher.

First half saw Lowestoft create the best chances and squandered three excellent opportunities whilst at the other end Lowestoft’s defence was holding the potent Enfield attack at bay and only on a couple of occasions did they force Nikki Wigg into action. She dealt with these threats admirably.

Lowestoft buoyed by their first half performance started the second half really brightly and quickly stamped their authority on the game and just before the hour mark a great delivery from Natasha Thomas on the right wing was turned into her own net by the Enfield centre-back.

The game was now starting to get stretched and Enfield started to press higher up the pitch and Nikki Wigg made two outstanding saves in quick succession whilst at the other end Lowestoft looked dangerous on the counter attack and but for a last-ditch tackle, Lauren Goulder might have increased the lead.

With just over a quarter of an hour left Lowestoft conceded a goal which was as a result of a sliced clearance and this gave Enfield fresh impetus.

With no subs to call on Lowestoft tired markedly in the last 10 minutes and Enfield scored the all-important goal which now takes them into the semi-finals.

The end result was really harsh on Lowestoft as they gave a stirring performance and showed once again when faced with strong opposition that they have the skill and strength required to more than compete against more illustrious opponents. All eleven girls did the club proud.

Lowestoft Town Football Club would like to thank Clive and Jan Wells of Window Wizard for kindly sponsoring the ladies training kit for the next two seasons. The picture shows Clive and Jan Wells along with Lowestoft Ladies team manager David Eastwood.