Ipswich Town secured a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Gwalia United Ladies in a competitive and entertaining match at Ocean Park Arena. Sophie Peskett was the star of the show, netting both goals to ensure the visitors took home all three points. However, Gwalia United can take pride in a determined performance that kept them in the contest until the final stages.
Gwalia started brightly, setting up with a high defensive line that initially unsettled Ipswich. The visitors struggled to find their rhythm in the early exchanges, with Gwalia pressing effectively and creating some early discomfort for Ipswich’s back line.
The first real sight of goal came in the 13th minute when Tia Asker, stepping in to lead the line in the absence of Kylie Nolan, found space down the left but couldn’t test Ipswich goalkeeper Natalia Negri. Ipswich began to grow into the game, with Sophie Peskett showing early signs of danger down the right flank. Gwalia’s defensive organisation was evident, with Chloe Lloyd making a brilliant challenge on Peskett in the 26th minute to deny an early breakthroug
Ipswich’s patience eventually paid off in the 32nd minute. Peskett, who had been Ipswich’s most dangerous outlet, popped up in a central position after drifting in from the right. She sliced through the Gwalia defence and clinically slotted a rebound home to give Ipswich the lead. The goal shifted momentum in Ipswich’s favour, with Lucy Watson going close just before the break. Gwalia, however, almost produced a moment of magic on the stroke of halftime. Libby Piggott delivered a superb ball to Asker, who controlled it beautifully on her chest before firing a swerving half-volley toward goal. Negri was forced into an outstanding acrobatic save to preserve Ipswich’s lead at the interval. It was a moment of sublime football from Asker and a truly phenomenal save from Negri.
Ipswich came out strongly in the second half, looking to put the game beyond doubt. Peskett continued to cause problems, setting up Maisy Barker in the 51st minute, but Barker’s curling effort sailed just over the bar. Gwalia refused to roll over and created a golden opportunity in the 78th minute. Hard working Ruby Scahill found herself in space in the box but couldn’t quite get the ball under control as the chance slipped away. Ipswich’s quality eventually told in the 82nd minute. After winning a free kick on the edge of the box, Ipswich delivered a dangerous ball into the area. Amid some shoving and a brief scramble, the ball fell kindly to Peskett, who made no mistake from close range to score her second of the afternoon. Gwalia kept fighting until the final whistle, winning a corner in added time, but Ipswich’s defense stood firm.
Gwalia Manager James Thomas was proud of his side’s efforts:
“We matched them for long periods and created chances. That’s all you can ask against a top side. The girls left everything on the pitch, and I’m proud of them.”