Goals aplenty

Saturday 30 March 2024, Forest Row 6 Mile Oak 3 - Southern Combination, Division One, Oakwood Sports and Social club

Hard ground to find as postcode took me up some cul de sac, but found it in the end, very basic ground, small car park, hard standing on two sides, clubhouse (hot drinks and beer but no hot food) and a small seated stand.

After all the recent rain, the pitch played well and helped produce an entertaining game. Hardly a foul in the game, but when he was needed the ref stepped in and sorted out any issues quickly.

Forest Row went ahead after 13 minutes and doubled their advantage after 24 minutes. Mile Oak pulled one back after 39 minutes.

Second half saw more goals, the host were slightly lucky with one as their 5th goal should have been disallowed for offside, but who can complain about 9 goals in the game. 

Barry Fry- the film! Plus a Felixstowe cup upset

Tuesday 26 March 2024, Peterborough United U21 2 Ipswich Town U21 1 - Professional Development League, Peterborough Utd Training ground

Knew this might be a tricky one and was correct only family and those on the list allowed in to watch the U21 games ( no issue for U18 games on a Saturday)

Managed to blag my way in but amazed when they asked someone else to leave at half time as he was not on the list. Portacabin for families to get a coffee, then a walk round the astro to the pitch which has a small 60 seat stand (similar stand by the G3 pitch)

Fast start by the hosts, penalty scored after 2 minutes and 2 up after 7 minutes. After that the game was very physical encounter, numerous fouls and a few yellow cards. With Ipswich probably having the better of the play, a goal dissallowed in the first half for offisde, then getting a goal back in the second half. Plenty of pressure in the last 15 minutes with their makeshift centre forward, Tommy Taylor missing two good chances to equalise.

Barry Fry was watching and being followed by a camera crew, as they seem to making a documentary about him!!

Then home and:

Felixstowe and Walton United 2 Leiston 1 - Suffolk Premier Cup, Semi Final, Humber Doucy Lane (Ipswich Wanderers)

A poor game football wise, played in constant heavy rain. Leiston who play a step higher than Felixstowe, took a first half lead and seemed in control and looked like they could step up a level, however in the second half Felixstowe started to dominate and got themselves in front, Leiston did not seem to have a Plan 'B' and no real sense of urgency, game got niggly with one Leiston player getting a late red card whilst 8 other players saw yellow. But Felixstowe saw the game out to make their way to the final.

Natasha Thomas show

Saturday 23 March 2024, Ipswich Town Women 5 Chatham Town Women 0 - FAWNL, Portman Road

Over 9,000 in the ground, 5 goals, opponents even hit the woodwork twice and we missed a penalty!

Great day for women's football in Ipswich and a great day for Ipswich Town

At least it was free

Tuesday 19 March 2024, Coplestonians 1 Debenham LC 1 - Suffolk and Ipswich League, Senior Division, Humber Doucy Lane

Not the greatest game, but possibly the last chance to see Coplestonians under the lights, as they end their ground share at Wanderers at the end of the season.

Very noticeable how much work Wanderers have done to stay at step 4, new seats, fence, players tunnel, hard standing and a turnstile block.

Stiffs at Portman Road

Tuesday 19 March 2024, Ipswich Town Under 21s AFC Bournemouth Under 21s - Professional Development League, Portman Road

In a different lifetime! The Reserves 'Stiffs' played at Portman Road every other Saturday, but that changed many years ago, but I believe the League rules state 3 games a season should be played at the main stadium, did not happen last year and this was the first game this season.

Today we saw a great win, plenty of entertainment and for once the U21 team played in the style of the 1st team.

Best display of the season ... so far!

Saturday 16 March 2024, Ipswich Town 6 Sheffield Wednesday 0 - Championship, Portman Road

Great display by the Town, best display of the season- Chaplin was not even missed.

Winning in the rain

Tuesday 12 March 2024, Ipswich Town Under 21s 2 Bristol City Under 21s 0 - Professional Development League, Bent Lane Training Ground

It rained, and rained but we won - great first half with Bristol dominating the second half.

At least the second half was better!

Saturday 9 March 2023, Redhill 1 Epsom & Ewell - Combine Counties, Premier South, Kiln Brow

Was expecting much better, Redhill pushing for a promotion place but I think the first half only saw one good attempt on goal.

The second half had to be much better - and it was ! Redhill taking the lead then having a few more good chances, but they never too them - so at the death, Epsom got an equaliser and almost snatched victory in the last few minutes.

Poor display at times, but great night

Tuesday 5 March 2024, Ipswich Town 3 Bristol City 2 - Championship, Portman Road

Poor first half, behind twice, then the subs saved us and we are still second!!

Local side dominate

Monday 4 March 2024, Trimley Red Devils 6 East Bergholt United 0 - Suffolk Senior Cup, Semi-final @Felixstowe and Walton United

Local football watches had informed me that Trimley had been the pick of the local league, one of the best teams in a weak Suffolk Ipswich League and they started as if they were in a hurry to get this game over and done with.

They dominated the first 20 minutes and took the lead after 13 minutes but they then seemed to run out of ideas and let Bergholt back into the game.

Second half started and again Trimley dominated but this time they kept the pressure on and got the goals there play deserved, they scored at regular intervals and added the last in injury time after the Bergholt just managed to keep out a back pass/deflection only for the ball to fall at the feet of a Trimley player.