WOMEN'S SOCCER: Ipswich Town Women kicked off their pre-season programme with a comprehensive 14-0 victory at Essex side Maldon Town Ladies. The game was a public relations exercise with links being formed between the two clubs.

WOMEN'S SOCCER

IPSWICH Town Women kicked off their pre-season programme with a comprehensive 14-0 victory at Essex side Maldon Town Ladies.

The game was a public relations exercise with links being formed between the two clubs.

Girls at the local schools are being encouraged to take up football by Ipswich Town Community Project coaches, with the opportunity to join Maldon Town.

Any outstanding players will be invited to attend training at Ipswich Town Women's Football Club and possibly become Town players in the future.

Ipswich fielded new signings Angela Arnold from Langford and Jo Miller from Chelmsford City as well as a mixture of first and reserve team players.

There was also a welcome return from a long-term illness for Nyssa Willis who celebrated the day with two goals.

The game itself was always going to be a gentle beginning to a testing set of friendly fixtures before the Premier League season starts on August 18.

The first half saw Ipswich dominate the game, but not take their chances due to some spirited defending and goalkeeping and some rusty finishing.

The game turned in a short spell either side of half time when the Suffolk side rattled in six goals. The rest of the game was merely a crossing and shooting exercise.

Town's goals were scored by Helen Bass (3), Nyssa Willis (2), Stacey Balaam (2), Angela Arnold, Michelle Allum, Penny Farrow, Shelley Pleasance and incredibly there were also three own goals.

Ipswich manager Sean Thacker was quick to play down the big win and said:"This was a chance to take Ipswich Town Women into a new area, while developing the opportunities and awareness of girls' football in Maldon. The winning score was irrelevant.

"After four punishing weeks of fitness, the game allowed the players to have an enjoyable afternoon and ease their way back into competitive action, while I could have a look at some new and returning players."

On Sunday, Town face a tougher test when they entertain Bedford Town Belles at Wickham Market Football Club (kick off 2pm).

THE Suffolk County FA, along with ITFC, will be running a Child Protection Course at Ipswich Town Football Club on Thursday, August 1, between 7pm and 10pm.

The course materials will try to help ensure the safety of children in football and will be in the form of a workshop.

If you are interested then please contact the Suffolk County FA office on 01473 407290 for full details.