It may have lacked the bitter intensity of a packed Portman or Carrow Road, but Ipswich Town Ladies’ victory over their Norwich City counterparts proved just as sweet.

Three first-half goals were enough to give the skilful hosts a deserved 3-0 victory and in doing so restored a little bit of East Anglian pride in footballing circles.

After all, their lowly male counterparts are hardly setting the world on fire and the last two derby games between the men’s teams have seen the Blues lose on both occasions, conceding nine goals on the way.

Led out by the junior girls from AFC Kesgrave, the ladies were on the ball from the first whistle and gave a healthy crowd at Ipswich Wanderers, – including the vociferous youngsters that led them out – plenty to shout about.

After Michelle Allum had served notice of the hosts’ intent, firing an early volley against the bar, Aimee Harrison put the Blues into a 12th minute lead – her left foot shot finding the net after goalkeeper Fiona Coombes could only parry a fierce effort.

An element of luck gave the Blues their second with Lauren Cartwright walking the ball into an empty net after Coombes’ save.

Allum wrapped up the points just before the break to give Town a fourth win in six South East Combination games this season.

As for the Canaries, they had their wings well and truly clipped as the ladies showed the shot-shy men how to do it.