Ipswich Town Women suffered late heartbreak to Southampton at Portman Road this afternoon. Tom Cann provides his player ratings.
Natalia Negri – 6
Made a couple of really important catches from dangerous-looking crosses. Didn’t have too much to do really in the game, with her defence helping her out a lot. Her kicking left a little to be desired on occasion, inviting needless pressure on the Town defence.
Advertisement
Maria Boswell (C) – 7
Back in the side after missing Nottingham Forest, was really calm and composed at the back, defended well and was able to hold off Tegan McGowan well.
Paige Peake – 7
The Town defender has been solid for the last few games and this was no exception. Her and Weir had a good partnership, cutting out the threat of McGowan well.
Kenzie Weir – 7
First game in a Town shirt and she didn’t look out of place at all. Was able to deal with the Southampton attacking threat really well. Had a quiet second half, did her job well.
Advertisement
Bethan Roe (Image: Ross Halls)
Bethan Roe – 7
Was far too easily beaten for the first goal, allowing Ferguson to run past her with ease before putting the ball in.
Settled into the game more after this early mistake.
Leah Mitchell – 7
Had a quieter game but did her job well. Got stuck into challenges to try and win the ball in the midfield. Looked to get on the attack whenever she could. A solid display from the Town midfielder.
Colette Cavanagh – 8
Had a really confident game in midfield. She played a big part in Town starting to dominate the first half, playing some great balls through to the attackers. The midfielder is not afraid of a tackle and she showed that on more than one occasion.
Advertisement
Kit Graham – 7
Had a really good game, helping out the forward line with little passes round the back and had a couple of chances where she could have netted her first Town goal.
Sophie Peskett on the ball for Town (Image: Ross Halls)
Sophie Peskett – 8 (POTM)
Proved tricky for Southampton’s left-back to deal with. Could have broken the deadlock within a minute of the game. Put it on a plate for Ashworth-Clifford to score her goal and nearly assisted a couple more in the first half alone.
Advertisement
A well-deserved player of the match, causing numerous issues for the Southampton defence.
Lucy Ashworth-Clifford – 8
Town’s first goalscorer. Kept her composure in front of goal well and caused a lot of problems for her marker with her pace and trickery. A really good display from someone who has always looked every bit the part since joining in January from Lazio.
Princess Ademiluyi battling for the ball (Image: Ross Halls)
Princess Ademiluyi – 7
Was able to keep the tall, physical Southampton defence busy. She wasn’t afraid to give a bit back with her tackles and the battle between her and Amy Goddard was a great watch. She had a quieter second half, to be expected after all the running she did in the first.
Advertisement
Subs
Ava Baker (77) – 6
Had a couple of really good chances late on to win the game for Town but these were well dealt with by the Southampton defence. She was able to find a lot of space on the left after coming on which was exploited well.