Ipswich Ladies IV 0 v Carlton Park I 1

24/01/09

With the fiasco of the previous week still on their minds Carlton Park were a little bit subdued going into this match. They started off positively and moved the ball well round the pitch. Some good bursting runs from Lynn Whittingstall in midfield put pressure on the Ipswich defence. Ipswich defended well and were kept in the game by some excellent saves by the home side’s keeper. Park were unlucky not to take the lead when a shot by Kirsty Marshall deflected high off the defender into the ‘d’. Denise Manning controlled the ball and placed it reverse stick into the goal. Unfortunately the umpire blew up for the lifted ball and awarded a penalty corner. Park carried on attacking and found the opening goal when an excellent free hit by Kirsty Marshall was brilliantly turned into the goal by the advancing Vicky Le Fanu. Park seemed a little more settled and any breaks that Ipswich had were quickly dealt with by the solid defence of Emma Tuckwell, Mercedes Buckle, Kirsty Marshall and Kerry Whatling. Ipswich were very quick to close down Park’s passing and they also moved the ball much quicker on their free hits. But Park kept their one goal advantage going into the break.

In the second half Ipswich again caused Park problems with their quick passing of the ball. But again Park’s defence worked hard and tracked back to cover any breaks that the home side had. Kerry Whatling was unlucky not to add her name to the score sheet when she broke into the ‘d’ but her shot went inches wide. The keeper again made some excellent saves to deny Park their second goal. Emma Tuckwell, Justine Howe and Vicky Le Fanu linked up well on the right with the latter creating some good chances. Ipswich certainly frustrated Park by not letting them play their normal game not helped by the inconsistency of the umpires playing or not playing the advantage. Emma Tuckwell had a brilliant run from defence and was infringed on her way but she stood strong and pushed on and slipped the ball to Sarah Whatling who was unmarked in the ‘d’ only for the umpire then to bring the ball back to the first infringement and award Park a free hit! But Park kept their composure especially at the back and came away with the three points. Not the best team performance but nevertheless a win with the whole of the defence having an outstanding game.

Squad: Karen Fletcher, Kirsty Marshall, Mercedes Buckle, Emma Tuckwell, Justine Howe, Kerry Whatling, Wendy Corneby, Roo Mackie, Lynn Whittingstall, Vicky Le Fanu, Sarah Whatling, Denise Manning

Report by Denise Manning.