Fans react to ITFC Women's first Portman Road match

Fans were in high spirits before the game with around 10,000 people expected to be cheering on the team this afternoon. 

In the fanzone, it is a double treat for Claire Burridge and her daughter Viola-Rose, as they are are attending their first Women's game as well as Viola-Rose's first-ever football match.

Claire said: "It's just such a good thing for the Women's game. She actually does play football as well.

The Women's team played their first league game at Portman Road (Image: Ross Halls)

"It's great that they have their first game here."

Father and daughter, Twiggy and Faith were also in the fanzone.

Twiggy said: "The reason we came along was to inspire Faith and hopefully push her to become a footballer herself.

"Hopefully she can be inspired by today."

Also at the game, are John, Wendy, Thomas and Rachel Goode.

John said: "It's really good the Women are playing here.

John, Thomas, Rachel and Wendy Goode (Image: Tom Cann)

"It's good to see the club get more involved with the Women's football, as that hasn't always been the case.

"We go over to Felixstowe to watch them play, and we were here the last time the Women played at Portman Road, so it is good to see them play here in the league.

"It's such a special thing this, and it's good to see the stadium full."

Nigel and Ezmai Chapman were watching their second Ipswich Town Women's game.

Nigel and Ezmai (Image: Tom Cann)

They said: "It's the first game here and we wanted to be part of it.

"It's inspirational to young girls who want to play football.

"We were really impressed by the team when we saw them last, they play some really good football.

"It would be nice if more games were held here at Portman Road.

"Hopefully with a more consistent crowd coming to games, it will give the team a boost and they can push up the leagues."

Matthew Saxton was attending just his second game of football, having gone to see Town's game against Maidstone earlier in the season.

Gemma and Matthew at Portman Road (Image: Tom Cann)

His mum Gemma, said: "It's awesome the women are playing here at Portman Road."

Troy Brooks and his partner Aimee Adams were also in attendance at the game.

They had travelled from Southend to be at the game, as their daughter, Meadow, is part of the Ipswich Town Academy, and a flag bearer on the day.

Troy said: "We go and watch Women's football when we can. Our local team is West Ham of the Super League.

Troy, Aimee and Darcie (Image: Tom Cann)

"It's great that so many people are at this game at Portman Road though, even at West Ham they get around 2,000 fans.

Aimee added: "It's great for Meadow, because they get to see the girls on the pitch, and see what they can also achieve, and gives them something to go for.

"Regardless of where it was going to be, we'd come and support the team, but it's great it is at Portman Road.

Troy added: "This sort of thing is something they will push for more."