Ipswich Wanderers 1, Thorpe United Ladies 4

Thorpe Ladies travelled to top-of-the-table Ipswich Wanderers for their first competitive match in six weeks since the sides last met, with Ipswich intent on revenge after Thorpe’s 4-3 cup win.

The tone was set in the first minute when a strong tackle saw Lauren Kett needing treatment, but after a frantic start the game began to settle down and Thorpe had the best of the possession and were taking the game to Ipswich.

After 20 minutes Thorpe should have gone ahead when Rebecca Lake was set free and done well to square the ball for Meg Evans who had done well to get in the position but screwed her shot wide.

A succession of corners for Thorpe followed as confidence flowed and from one of these Charlotte Grooves headed United into the lead.

The first spell of Ipswich pressure came towards half-time and Hannah Bray preserved the lead when she headed a free-kick off the line that looked like it was destined for the top corner.

But Thorpe’s hard work and attitude was rewarded when Rebecca Russell ran down the right saw her cross/shot fly over the keeper into the net.

A 2-0 lead at half-time was no more than United deserved but Thorpe started slowly after the restart and Ipswich were right back in the game when Thorpe failed to stop a cross coming into the box and then failed to close down the loose ball and their forwards shot left Kirsty Andrews with no chance.

This was now a big test for Thorpe as Ipswich were inspired, but the girls pulled together and with some excellent defending and determination and hard work United kept the hosts at bay, and with about 15 minutes remaining a long ball was chased by Meg Evans who laid a lovely ball in for Rebecca Lake to hit first time and score.

With their tails up, Thorpe added a fourth when Kerry Rose broke clear and set up Rebecca Lake who again finished superbly.

Ipswich kept pressing to the end and almost got a consolation when a shot thudded against the bar and landed on the line before Kirsty Andrews grabbed it.

This was a tremendous team performance with everyone playing their part.

The opposition chose Laura Wiseman as Player of the Match. Thorpe’s choice was Hannah Bray.