South East Combination League- Season 2007/8

Ipswich Town 2 Northampton Town 1

Sunday 19th August 2007

Northampton Town Ladies kicked off their new league programme with a tough trip to Ipswich Town and despite a performance with vast amounts of effort and determination, they came away empty handed.

The summer saw the departure of several key players from the first team, which has in turn opened the door of opportunity to some of the younger members of the club to step forward and prove they can compete in this highly competitIve league.

Players such as Leanne Keane and Jess Parver, who both made first team debuts at the heart of the defence and despite one or two errors of judgement through lack of experience, both showed they are more than capable of meeting the physical demands of ladies football.

Alongside these two debutants were two defenders of which a lot is expected this season and both certainly delivered from the first to the final whistle. Natalie Smith was simply outstanding and played with the same grit, determination and bravery that will be required to fill the boots of Cobblers legend Hannah Cave.

Indeed her performance was enough to earn her the player of the match award, which was richly deserved but one that was closely followed by several others. Hayley Gallachi was also outstanding and showed in her unique, calm way what an accomplished player she is and her experience and support to the two younger defenders will be invaluable this season.
As with all teams, there has to be a backbone of experience coupled with talent and this team still has both in abundance.

Lizzie Todd is just such a player and but for an excellent save from the Ipswich Keeper, could have given the cobblers a lead as early as the second minute after being put through on goal with an inch perfect pass by Janine Holland. It was a welcome return to the team for both Janine and Lizzie after suffering with injuries last season. Lizzie worked tirelessly as the lone striker for most of the game and did a great job in holding the ball up to enable the five strong midfield to support with some penetrating breaks.

Janine, playing out wide on the left was always a threat to the Ipswich defence and linked well with Lyndsey Jelley who was playing again in midfield, after missing the whole of last season through injury. Her return was a welcome boost for the team as she looked sharp and was the provider of the perfectly timed pass which led to the Cobblers goal.

The midfield was completed by Sophie Barrett, Laura Sutherland and Lucy Bateman who each bring their own strengths to this young team. Sophie and Lucy both bring a no-nonsense approach to the team with tough tackling and great engines who will run all day for the cause. Laura has lightning pace and showed with her goal, a coolness in front of goal which should see her name on the score sheet many times this season.

Ipswich are a well organised, highly talented team who play some delightful football and at times passed their way through the Cobblers midfield at will. They were however restricted to long range efforts for most of the game and when they did find the openings were met with Louise Bandey in the Cobblers goal. Despite playing with an injured ankle, Louise acquitted herself well, making her first team league debut, with some fine saves and should take a lot of self- confidence from that performance. The two goals that Ipswich did score, were both well taken but both were avoidable and the mistakes made which led to the goals should be quickly learnt from.

This first performance was highly encouraging and the second half additions of Sarah Bland, Sam Christie and Steph Gale seemed to lift the team and there were chances created toward the end of the game to at least return with a point but it was not to be. However, every player should be pleased with their effort and look forward to a tough but challenging season.

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