Ipswich Wanderers 3, Lowestoft Town 4

Away to Ipswich Wanderers, Lowestoft knew this was going to be a very tough encounter against a much more mature and physical team than they have been used to playing against.

From the kick-off Lowestoft took the game to their opponents and the Ipswich keeper was called into action several times in the opening 15 minutes.

On 17 minutes Lowestoft worked the ball through to Natasha Thomas who got to the by line and cut the ball back for Lauren Goulder to slide home.

Several more good chances came and went and Chantelle Keevill went close with a couple of efforts. With Broghan Sculley and Ellie Froud dominating midfield it seemed only a matter of time before Lowestoft scored again.

However, with one of their first attacks on goal, Ipswich were awarded a controversial penalty which was converted to level things up.

Minutes later Ipswich were awarded another penalty but after protests from the Lowestoft players the referee finally relented and consulted with the assistant referee and subsequently awarded a free kick.

This was superbly converted to give Ipswich a very flattering 2-1 lead at the interval.

Second half Lowestoft came out in determined fashion and goals from Clieo Stephenson, who was making her season’s debut, and Chloe Hoffman gave Lowestoft the lead before the referee gave another controversial penalty, which was converted to level things up again.

This seemed to spur the girls on, who felt victims of an injustice, and with eight minutes left Lauren Goulder found space inside the area and calmly slotted home a much-deserved winner.