Ipswich Town Women have finished their 2023/24 season. Ross Halls reflects on another campaign covering the Tractor Girls....
Joe Sheehan's side missed out on the league title on goal difference in 2022/23 but finished fourth in the Southern Premier Division this campaign. Here's a look back...
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Maria Boswell became the new captain to replace the departing Blue Wilson this season. (Image: Ross Halls)
TRANSITIONAL SEASON
In the summer there was plenty of change with multiple departures of key members of the squad, which were hard to replace.
New faces were signed but it was still a very young side and long-term injuries to important duo Megan Wearing and Eloise King did not help.
The defeat away to Hashtag United (3-2) was the first bump in the road, but the losses to Oxford (2-1 and 0-1) and Portsmouth (0-1 and 4-2) proved costly and ended any chances of promotion this year.
More than 10,000 were in attendance for the Portman Road game. (Image: Ross Halls)
THE TRAILBLAZERS
The big standout moment of the season was the long-awaited game at Portman Road as the Blues faced Chatham Town in the first-ever league game at the stadium.
It was a great occasion which saw more than 10,000 supporters in attendance as the Blues won the game 5-0, with an impressive display from the entire the team.
A landmark day that will inspire the next generation and create a legacy for the club to build on going forward for future games.
Natasha Thomas celebrates scoring her 150th goal for the club. (Image: Ross Halls)
THOMAS LANDMARKS
Natasha Thomas has hit some big milestones this season, with the first becoming the third player to make 200 appearances for the club. She is now only eight games away from breaking the all-time record of 216.
The 28-year-old forward had impressive goal scoring campaign too, netting her 150th career strike for the club in the 2-0 home win over Hashtag United.
She picked up the Southern Premier Division Golden Boot at the FA WNL awards, having notched 25 times for the Blues.
Sophie Peskett was brilliant this season (Image: Ross Halls)
STAR GIRL SHINES
Sophie Peskett enjoyed a phenomenal first full season back from injury, netting 12 goals and providing 20 assists in 28 appearances for the Blues.
The 21-year-old was electric down the wing putting in fantastic displays which saw her named the Southern Premier Division Player of the Year at this year's FAWNL Awards.
She was also voted the Blues' Women's Player of the Year as she excited fans down the flanks with her skills, pace and overall play. A big future ahead!
Ipswich Town Women are set for their fourth season in the third tier. (Image: Ross Halls)
BOUNCING BACK
Overall, it was a disappointing season for the Tractor Girls as they finished in their lowest position in the third tier since they were promoted back in 2021.
They did show they can compete against Championship outfits as they beat Lewes 3-0 in the FA Cup and put in a gutsy display against Charlton Athletic.
A big positive coming from this year is the fact that the crowds continue to grow, with the average attendance at Felixstowe being 534 (15 games).
It looks set to be another tough season ahead - but with the right recruitment this side can compete for promotion again next season.
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