Framlingham Town to play Ipswich

BADINGHAM Road, home ground of Suffolk and Ipswich League side Framlingham Town, will host one of the first Ipswich Town teams since Jim Magilton became manager of the Championship side in June.

Ipswich are taking a side to play Framlingham for a pre-season friendly match on Friday, July 14 which will be a testimonial game for the local team's defender, Neil Whatling.

Ipswich last played at Badingham Road three years ago to celebrate the completion of the work on the new floodlights at the Framlingham ground. On that occasion 1,000 spectators witnessed a great game of football as a young Ipswich side turned on the style to win 4-0.

Framlingham are planning a great evening for local fans, with mini-soccer before the match, a half-time penalty competition and refreshments as well as an early chance to see Ipswich play under their new management team. The home side will be playing in a new strip, courtesy of their sponsor Bill Bulstrode.

The testimonial for Whatling is much-deserved recognition for the loyalty of one of local football's outstanding players. Whatling has been touted by a host of sides in the Ridgeons League over the seasons but has remained totally committed to his local club, where he started his football career playing in Sid Vice's Under-8 side.

Now aged 30, Whatling continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the SIL and is highly-regarded by team-mates and opponents alike.

Club President Bryan Parker is pleased that the Framlingham club is once again playing host to Ipswich Town and feels the game will be well supported by the local community.

“Neil is an outstanding role model for the younger players at the club and I am delighted for him that Ipswich have accepted our invitation to play. I'm sure the evening will be a huge success.”

The match kicks off at 7.30pm and tickets are £4 for adults and £2 for concessions. Tickets are available in advance from Bill Bulstrode's shop on the Market Hill in Framlingham, or from Fiona Whalting on 01728-723524.