Ives strike not enough to secure win

Barnet Ladies 1

Ipswich Town 1

An awful journey to North London, taking over four hours due to heavy

traffic, left ITWFC a little under-prepared for this game against Barnet

Ladies. Even so, the team were confident of a victory to follow their last

outing, an impressive 6-3 victory against a strong Chelsea team.

Three new loanee players from Arsenal had bolstered the home team who had

postponed the early part of their season, including a game against Town, due

to an exodus of players.

As could be expected Ipswich were a little slow to get started but had some

spring put into their step on taking the lead after 15 minutes. A strong run

and cross from Allum down the left channel ended with Welham laying the ball

back to Ives to slot home from six yards.

A succession of Ipswich corners soon followed as the away team started to

control the proceedings. Great support play down the right-hand side and

intelligent running off the ball often created space in promising areas but

a combination of weak finishing and a poor final pass prevented the team

from adding to their lead.

Barnet had a few moments of their own just before half time but Nic Scott

made some timely interceptions and one brave save to deny them an equalizer.

The second half continued in much the same way as the first, with Ipswich

dominating possession. It was especially pleasing to see Leanne Parker

involved in most of the team's good work. This fifteen year old was making

her full debut for the first-team having impressed greatly at under 16 and

reserve team level. Given a role in central midfield she managed to cover

every blade of grass, linking up with attack and making important recovery

runs to prevent Barnet breaking on several occasions.

As the game went on though Ipswich were looking happier to sit on their 1-0

lead. This proved their downfall, as it gave encouragement to Barnet who

should have by now been dead and buried. Somewhat predictably an equalizer

came with five minutes remaining as sloppy defending at half-way ended with

players out of position and a free run at goal for the Barnet striker.

Despite a frantic last five minutes in search of a winner and strong running

from substitute Willis, the home side hung on with the final score remaining

1 - 1.

team: Scott, Cook, Evans (Willis 85), Ives, Pleasance, Farrow, Dooley

(Balaam 60), Williams, Allum, Parker, Welham (Bass 75)

QUOTES

Greg Cooper – Development Coach

"I cannot believe that we have failed to win another game that we should

have won comfortably. Barnet were a poor side and although we at times

played some fantastic football I have to question the teams desire to win

matches."

"Thankfully we do have some real positives to bring home from the game, the

first being the full debut of 15 year-old Leanne Parker. Strong, quick, bags

of ability and a winning attitude should make her a role model for many of

our other talented youngsters progressing through the club. Lets hope that

she continues as she has started!"

"Norma Ives was another plus today and a driving force behind the team. I am

pleased for her that she got on the score sheet"