Ipswich Town Women exited the FA Cup in front of a big crowd at the AGL Arena this afternoon, as high-flying Championship side Charlton Athletic won 4-1.
Town broke the deadlock in the 8th minute as a poor pass from the Charlton defence saw Sophie Peskett steal the ball high up the pitch before going one-on-one and slotting the ball beneath the Addicks keeper.
Town had another opportunity 10 minutes later as Kyra Robertson shrugged off her marker with ease, playing in Lenna Gunning-Williams on the right, whose low effort was saved by Gray in the Charlton net.
Charlton, who sit second in the Championship, were pressing for an equaliser, but Laura Hartley made some important saves, and Leah Mitchell who returned to the starting 11, pulled off some great tackles.
Charlton did get the equaliser in the 36th minute, as Maisy Barker's headed clearance fell into the path of Melissa Johnson, who finished past Hartley.
Charlton took the lead just five minutes later, as a scramble in the box from a corner found Johnson again, who hooked the ball in.
Charlton made it three just before halftime from the penalty spot, with Barker's challenge being penalised. Former Town player Freya Godfrey stepped up to take it, slotting the ball past Hartley.
Town started the second half strong, winning lots of battles and defending well, but failing to create any chances.
The second half turned out to be a very even affair, with neither team troubling the opposition goalkeepers.
That's until Charlton had an attacking free kick which was brilliantly delivered into the six-yard box, where N'Dow got on the end of it to poke the ball into the back of the net to make it 4-1.
Three debutants were introduced later in the game, with Issy Bryant returning to Town, and Tottenham loanees Elkie Bowyer and Milly Boughton making their Tractor Girls debuts.
So Town exit the FA Cup after a good run, with the team still competing in the League Cup.
Their next game is against London Bees at The Hive next Sunday.
Town Starting XI: Hartley, Boswell (C), Hughes, Mitchell, Thomas (Turner,90), Robertson, O'Brien (Horwood,79), Peskett (Bryant,75), Doe (Bowyer,79), Gunning-Williams (Boughton,75), Barker
Subs: Meollo, Horwood, Turner, Bryant, Boughton, Evans, Bowyer, Smith
Attendance: 770
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