Saints secure last-gasp win over Ipswich in front of 9,000 at Portman Road - European Football

SAINTS Women spoiled Ipswich Town’s landmark afternoon at Portman Road with a dramatic stoppage-time winner, sealing a 2–1 victory in front of a crowd of 9,000.

Rachel Brown proved the hero in the dying moments, stabbing home from close range after a chaotic goalmouth scramble sparked by Aimee Palmer’s free-kick.

The ball ricocheted kindly into her path on the line, allowing her to secure a memorable win at the death.

Abbie Ferguson, returning to the starting XI for the first time since January in place of the injured Ellie Brazil, made an immediate impact down the right flank.

Showing quick feet, she beat her marker and delivered a low cross into the box that Ipswich failed to clear.

Mary Bashford reacted quickest, poking the ball beneath the goalkeeper to silence the home crowd early on.

Despite the early setback, Ipswich responded with intent. Princess Ademiluyi caused problems in the opening exchanges, while a well-worked counter-attack nearly brought an equaliser.

Kit Graham’s powerful strike from the edge of the area was bravely blocked by Meg Collett, setting the tone for a resilient defensive display.

From the resulting corner, Bashford was again called into action, heading off the line before Fran Stenson made a sharp close-range save to preserve the lead.

At the other end, Saints had chances to extend their advantage, with Tegan McGowan firing over after another defensive lapse from the hosts.

However, Ipswich eventually found their breakthrough just before the half-hour mark. A defensive mix-up allowed Sophie Peskett to square the ball for Lucy Ashworth-Clifford, who finished calmly to level the scores.

Peskett saw another effort blocked after a skilful run, while McGowan forced a low save from Natalia Negri as the match remained finely poised at 1–1.

The second half was a more even affair, with Ipswich buoyed by their supporters. Peskett again came close, curling a shot towards the top corner that Stenson did well to tip away.

As heavy rain set in, chances became scarce, with the next clear opportunity not arriving until the 80th minute, when substitute Ava Baker was denied by a sliding block from Bashford.

Baker threatened again late on, but another last-ditch challenge – this time from Amy Goddard – kept Southampton in the contest.

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Bashford was fouled on the edge of the area in stoppage time.

Palmer’s free-kick caused confusion in the box, eventually falling for Brown, who made no mistake from two yards out.

Her first goal for the club, following a long recovery from an ACL injury, sparked jubilant celebrations and secured a vital win for Saints in their push towards the promotion play-off places.

Ipswich: Negri, Boswell (c), Mitchell, Graham, Peskett, Cavanagh, Roe, Weir, Peake, Ashworth-Clifford (Baker 77′), Ademiluyi.

Unused subs: Hartley, Hughes, Thomas, Dean, O’Brien, Lasova, Wearing, Meena.

Saints: Stenson, Collett, Goddard, Bourne (Hack 46′), Simpson (Mott 46′), Palmer, Bashford, Primus (c), Ferguson (Edwards 67′), McAlonie (Brown 89′), McGowan (Sena 83′).

Unused subs: Pettit, Roberts

Attendance: 9,142 (133 away).