PORTMAN Road will host its first-ever Suffolk FA Women’s Cup final when Ipswich Town face Lowestoft Town tonight.

Ipswich Town Women will start favourites to retain the cup which they in some style when they defeated Lowestoft Ladies 6-1 in last season’s final at Saxmundham, after going a goal behind.

Both sides have had successful seasons – Ipswich have just finished second in the South East Women’s Combination League and Lowestoft have secured their second successive promotion, after winning the Eastern Region Division One North title.

In addition, Ipswich reached the third round of the Women’s FA Cup before losing 2-0 at home to Aston Villa, who play a step higher in the Premier League.

Ipswich reached tonight’s final after beating Bury Town 7-1, AFC Sudbury 5-1 and Ransomes Sports 9-0, while Lowestoft have benefited from two walkovers before beating Haverhill Rovers 4-2 in the semi-finals.

Suffolk FA chief executive Laura Smith said: “We are grateful to Ipswich Town Football Club for affording us the opportunity to stage the first Suffolk FA Women’s Cup final at Portman Road, giving the players what will surely be a really memorable experience.

“In an effort to raise the profile of the game Suffolk FA have provided complimentary tickets to all the talented players at our girls’ player development centre and to all the clubs within the Suffolk Women’s and Girls’ League.”

She added that Abi Marriott, a young female referee from Brandon who has shown real potential this season and for whom the county have high hopes in the future, will be one of the assistant referees.

The match kicks-off at 7pm and admission is £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.