PREVIEW: Woodbridge Town Ladies vs Ipswich Valley Rangers

It’s all eyes on the Homestyle UK Ground this weekend as Woodbridge Town Ladies host Women’s Championship side Ipswich Valley Rangers in the Women’s KO Cup Semi-Final! These are the games that players and fans cherish, when the chance to win silverware looms ever closer, and a place in the final is only 90 minutes away. Woodbridge won the cup back in the 22/23 season, and stand only two games away from reclaiming their crown.

After last week’s trip to Capel Plough was postponed, Woodbridge only played one game in February - a three nil defeat away from home against Ramsey & Mistley. That match marked a return to action after 90 days without a game, and similarly, it’s been another lengthy wait for the Ladies. Ipswich Valley Rangers have also struggled with call offs, but did manage to claim a win last time out versus Saxmundham Ladies. It’s been a stop start period for both sides, who will want to hit the ground running and not allow a lack of match sharpness to hinder their performances.

Both teams have navigated tricky ties to reach the semi-final, with Woodbridge beating Bacton and Bury, before knocking out Halesworth Town in extra time. A nailbiting quarter-final, but the Peckers showed composure and determination to overcome a difficult opponent. Ipswich Valley Rangers have pulled off some incredible upsets en route to the last four, beating both Kesgrave Kestrels and Stowupland Falcons of the Women’s Premiership. They also survived a second round penalty shootout against Saxmundham, winning 4-3 from the spot after a 1-1 draw in normal time. This run shows that IVR have what it takes to cause a surprise, and Woodbridge will have to be at their best to see off the Championship side.

Individuals can really make the difference in knockout football, and a moment of brilliance could be what separates the two sides. Peckers top goalscorer Sadie Jamiesion is certainly a player who could stand out, as well as Freya Emerick, who will hope to add to her 5 goals this season. Defensively, Woodbridge will need to be disciplined - something that captain Alice Ager will want to instill in her backline. For the visitors, Lula Brewer will provide a huge threat, as she looks to add to her staggering total of 21 goals so far this season. Tallulah Ridley and Ashleigh Goddard are also dangerous players that the Peckers will need to try and shut out in this contest.

With the lack of games played for Woodbridge over the last few months, returning to face a difficult side in a cup semi-final presents a huge challenge. But, with the quality that the Peckers possess, it’s a challenge that the side will hopefully come through. Anything can happen in knockout football, and despite the division difference between the two teams, IVR are a team with a lot of ability - one I expect we will see in the Women’s Premiership next season. The winner of this semi-final will go through to face either AFC Sudbury Reserves or AFC Sudbury Development in the final.

We hope to see as many of you as possible at the Homestyle UK Ground this weekend, as the Ladies look to reach the cup final. Your support is massively appreciated, and it could make the difference this Sunday. Let’s get behind Ashley, Natalie and the team for this huge game, and hopefully after 90 minutes the Ladies will be finalists! UP THE PECKERS!

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