Ipswich Town Women 4-1 Peterborough United: Match report

The game was moved to Town’s training ground due to a waterlogged pitch at the AGL Arena in Felixstowe. 

Natasha Thomas opened the scoring in the 41st minute when she buried her header beyond the Posh goalkeeper from a Evie Williams corner.  

Maisy Barker scores against Peterborough United (Image: Ross Halls)

Just before the half-time break the Blues doubled their lead when Abbie Smith combined with Thomas before sliding Maisy Barker through on goal and she rifled the ball through the fingertips of the goalkeeper for her first goal since signing for Town. 

The third goal of the afternoon came eight minutes into the second half when Sophie Peskett glided past her defender and whipped the ball across goal and into the far corner.

Five minutes later, the Blues made it 4-0 when Nia Evans found Peskett with a reverse pass and she laid it on a plate for Thomas to head home.

Natasha Thomas in action against Peterborough United (Image: Ross Halls)

The visitors pulled a goal back with four minutes remaining when Alex O’Neill received the ball on the edge of the box and her right-footed effort found the top corner.

It was a good test against Posh who play in FAWNL Division One Midlands, a tier below the Blues and there was some quality football and goals on display during the game. 

The Tractor Girls are next in action against Loughborough Lightning at Holywell Sports Complex next Sunday. Their head coach is former Blues assistant Charlie Baxter.

In other news, defender Olivia Smith has departed after two years at the club, making 30 appearances since her debut on the opening day of the 2021/22 season. 

During the 2022/23 season, she was limited to just seven appearances due to her career in the police force.

The Tractor Girls have seen multiple departures this summer, but are edging closer to making further additions.