IPSWICH Town will have one team at Wembley this year after the club's women's team booked their place at the National Finals of the Umbro Fives tournament.

Stuart Watson

IPSWICH Town will have one team at Wembley this year after the club's women's team booked their place at the National Finals of the Umbro Fives tournament.

Eight girls from Ipswich's team progressed through two regional stages of the competition to confirm their place in the National Finals which will be held on November 23.

Ipswich won their first local heat at Whitton Sports Centre, winning in the final against Woodbridge Town courtesy of a fine finish from Vicki Stephens in a close game.

Then second stage of the competition was held at the academy in Loughton where Ipswich initially finished runners-up in their group with a win and two draws.

That was enough to put them through to the semi-finals where they faced Welwyn Garden City, the only team to have beaten Ipswich in the league last season.

A repeat of that defeat had looked on the cards when Welwyn quickly went 2-0 up but a goal from Lindsay Smith put the Suffolk side back in the game.

Ipswich were then handed a huge lifeline when a rash tackle from the goalkeeper on the lively Michelle Allum saw Kat Parnell level from the penalty spot.

Town then sealed the win courtesy of yet another Parnell penalty.

Ipswich then controlled the final against Bedford from the first whistle, Emily Blake making all the play and keeper Faye Lunn making a number of sharp saves when called upon.

Justine Peacock then put Ipswich in the lead with a fine strike across goal before Sami Jones' smart finish sealed the win.