JESS DEAKIN REPORTS ON WOLVES WOMEN’S PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY
WOLVES 2 IPSWICH 4
Wolves’ first game at their new stadium – The New Bucks Head – ended in defeat as Ipswich put four past Dan McNamara’s side, bringing pre-season to a close.
The first goal of the game came just eight minute into play and was in favour of the visitors. Wolves goalkeeper Shan Turner was able to save the initial shot, however defender Summer Hughes fired the rebound home, to put her side ahead.
The Tractor Girls’ second goal came just seven minutes later, this time it was Natasha Thomas who was able to connect with Anna Grey’s cross at the back post.
Wolves managed to pull one back in the 28th minute as Amber Hughes’ left-footed shot bounced in off the post.
Thomas found herself on the scoresheet again, just two minutes into the second half, as she drilled the ball past the defence and into the top corner – giving Turner no chance.
Young star Zoe Barratt extended Ipswich’s lead in the 62nd minute, she was through 1 on 1, but coolly hit the ball across the face of goal and into the back of the net.
Substitute Amy Dicken scored the last goal of the game in the seventh minute of additional time, after she headed it home to narrow the goal margin slightly.
On a very hot day in Telford, 253 fans were in attendance to witness the final pre-season friendly and their first game open to fans at their new home ground. The visitors started strong, and were soon rewarded as they saw themselves two goals to the good after just 15 minutes. New signing Destiny Toussaint battled hard down the right hand side, making some promising runs and recovering the ball nicely.
Wolves’ first chance of the game at the 20 minute mark, as a long range shot from Tammi George was fired just wide of the post. A drinks break allowed Wolves to recuperate and set themselves up for the continuation of play. Nerves settled and the home team grew into the game as efforts from both Maz Gauntlett and Tammi George were unlucky not to find the back of the net. Dan McNamara’s side had their efforts rewarded, as a strong strike from highly rated forward Hughes was able to make its way into the back of the net. Just minutes later, a superb goal line clearance by Anna Morphet was crucial to stop the scoreline increasing any further. The final attempt of the half came in favour of the visitors, however Turner was able to make the save comfortably.
Joe Sheehan’s side started on the front foot in the second half and within 2 minutes of play, Thomas scored her second of the game, drilling a shot into the top corner giving Turner no chance. Wolves were unable to finish a number of attempts as both Helen Dermody and Beth Merrick fired their shots over the crossbar. England youth international Zoe Barratt increased her team’s lead as she was able to calmly make way past the home team’s defence and across the body of Turner.
Dan McNamara made eight substitutions during the second half, with Jade Cross, Katie Johnson, Lizzie Bennett-Steele, Laura Cooper, Trialist, Ellie Butler, Amy Dicken and Leonie Joyce all being introduced across a 25 minute span of play. Debutante Lizzie Bennett-Steele had her first shot of the game however her header made its way over the bar.
It was substitute Amy Dicken who got her name on the final goal of the game in the seventh minute of added time as she headed it cooly past Ipswich goalkeeper Nina Meollo.
Wolves are next in action on Sunday as they kick off their league campaign against newly promoted Liverpool Feds. The game will be held at Jericho Lane Football Club, the game will commence at 2PM and there will be a fee of £5 upon entrance.
ARTICLE BY JESS DEAKIN
My name is Jess Deakin, I’m 15 years old, and have been a season ticket holder at Wolves for 7 years. For the last 4 seasons, I’ve been following Wolves Women which is where my passion for women’s football began.