MATCH REPORT: Woodbridge beat defiant IVR defence to reach League Cup Final

Woodbridge Town Ladies are through to the Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final after beating Ipswich Valley Rangers by one goal to nil. Sadie Jamieson’s strike was all that separated the two sides after a well-contested semi-final, as the forward once again stepped up for the Peckers when it mattered most.

Having enjoyed a strong campaign so far, Sunday presented Woodbridge with an opportunity to showcase their quality and reach the League Cup Final for the first time since they won it, back in 2022/23. The Peckers knew that SGWFL Championship side Ipswich Valley Rangers would provide a tough test, but the ladies dug deep to see off the challenge.

It was IVR who started the game strongly, looking to be direct and cause Woodbridge problems in behind. The long balls set the tone for how the visitors would play throughout, as they tried to progress aerially on most occasions. The Peckers grew into the contest as the game progressed and moved the ball nicely - the only attempts on goal coming from range, but still played from back to front in style. 30 minutes on the clock, and there wasn’t much to separate the two sides.

The best chances of the half fell for Woodbridge following a succession of corners. The first delivery from the far side was swung towards the back post, but somehow wasn’t turned home in the goalmouth scramble. The corner that followed was equally dangerous from the near side, as Hadley’s ball met the head of Sadie Jamieson, who was only denied by a superb goalline clearance from the IVR defender. Two great opportunities for the Peckers to take the lead, but the semi-final would remain goalless as the half-time whistle blew.

The Woodpeckers began the second period strongly, with Rhianna Kiwomya testing the Rangers keeper with a low-driven effort. Woodbridge would find the opener 8 minutes later, as Sadie Jamieson pounced on an error from the IVR goalkeeper to curl the ball into the net and fire the Peckers in front. That strike puts the Woodbridge forward on 14 goals so far this campaign, an incredibly strong total having only played 8 games. Half an hour left to play, and the Peckers just needed to see this game over the line.

Unsurprisingly, the visitors raised their level and looked to put Woodbridge under pressure for what was left of the game. The defence were tested, but were first to every ball and rose to the occasion to shut Ipswich Valley Rangers out -  Ager leading by example as captain with some brilliant interceptions. Rangers were left frustrated late on though, as with a minute on the clock, the IVR forward was pushed to the floor in the box by Emerick, but the referee wasn’t moved by the away side’s protests. The final whistle would follow soon after, and Woodbridge had completed the job - they were into the final!

Massive congratulations to Ashley, Natalie and the team for this fantastic achievement - especially in Ash’s first season in charge! Massive praise also to Ipswich Valley Rangers, who have been on an incredible cup run to reach the last four, and gave us a brilliant contest this weekend. The Ladies will play AFC Sudbury Reserves in the final, for a chance to reclaim their crown after winning the league cup a couple years ago. It is sure to be a cracking game, and hopefully we will see as many of you as possible at the final in May.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Ladies this weekend, as we saw the highest attendance of the season so far for a Ladies’ fixture. We truly do appreciate it, and with silverware on the cards this campaign, let’s get behind the side for what could be a very special end to the season! UP THE PECKERS! 

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