Ipswich Town Women enjoy another ‘magical’ record-breaking day at Portman Road as Ed Sheeran celebrates with players after 3-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle puts them on cusp of promotion

Ipswich Town goalscorer Lucy O’Briena and manager Joe Sheehan have emphasised just how special the record-breaking 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle was at Portman Road - which put them on the cusp of promotion - was on a number of levels.

Sunday was the second time, following last year’s debut, The Tractor Girls had played a league match at the club’s Portman Road stadium. And the 10,807 who bought tickets to see them take on the Pilgrims eclipsed the record set for attending a women’s fixture in Suffolk of 10,173 for the 5-0 victory over Chatham Town last March.

Unlike 12 months ago, Sheehan’s side are in the thick of a title charge in the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) Southern Premier Division with the three points gained seeing them overtake rivals Hashtag United - following their 2-0 defeat in Wales at Gwalia United - on goal difference.

With Town having two games in hand and only four remaining, they could now confirm the title and the single promotion spot via their next two matches which come ahead of the Essex side playing again on April 13. Sheehan’s side host Gwalia United at The Martello Ground, also home to Felixstowe & Walton United FC, on Sunday (2pm) ahead of going to Watford a week later (April 6, 2pm).

Sunday’s game at Portman Road saw them get off to the perfect start against the second bottom side, with forward O’Brien converting a low cross from Natasha Thomas which Plymouth’s defence were unable to deal with.

Town’s record appearance-holder and goalscorer, Thomas, then doubled their advantage with a header on 25 minutes from Sophie Peskett’s cross.

And after carrying the 2-0 lead into half-time - which could have been more with Megan Waring having seen a header bounce off the crossbar from an O’Brien corner - Peskett put the game out of their opponents’ reach 12 minutes into the second half. The winger was first to react to turn home a rebound from a parried save from Ella Rutherford’s fierce shot.

Plymouth saw captain Panagiotta Papaioannou sent off for a second bookable offence with 10 minutes to go ahead of finding a consolation goal two minutes later. Charlotte Whitmore picked up a stray pass from Town keeper Natalia Negri and fired it into an unguarded net.

But it could not take the shine off another special and record-breaking day for women’s football in Suffolk.

Sheehan said: “It was good. Last year this weekend we had our opening game and to get more than 10,000 was amazing, and I think to back it up is super-impressive.

“I think sometimes you can do something for the first time and there’s a bit of an appeal to it. I think to back it up and to get that level again and actually greater than that I think is super-impressive.

“And so pleased we were able to score three goals, put on a relatively good performance and, importantly, win the game.”

He added: “We’re in a different situation to last year, so it’s not just now playing in front of a big crowd, there’s something riding on the game for both teams.

“We still forget that this team is still so young and despite playing a lot of games in senior football, you never really know how players are going to turn up when there’s a lot at stake and you’re playing in front of a big crowd.

“I think to play how they did is really impressive. We’re definitely capable of scoring more goals and playing perhaps a little bit better. But we can’t complain too much because it was a big occasion and pleased that the players managed to deliver on it.”

O’Brien and her fellow Town players enjoyed celebrating on the pitch afterwards where they showed their appreciation to the crowd ahead of then singer with Suffolk superstar, club shirt sponsor and minority shareholder Ed Sheeran in the changing room in joyful scenes released by the club afterwards.

“It’s so special,” the forward said as she reflected on the day.

“I didn’t think we could top last year, but we’ve got out there, we’ve got a new record crowd, another three points on the day and it’s probably been an even more special occasion than last year, which was hard to achieve.

“We’ve just been signing so many autographs, inspiring the next generation, which is really exciting to see.

“It’s so special, so rewarding. I think as a player, you want to get the three points and enjoy the game but after the match, going over and seeing so many young fans, old fans as well, just turning up to watch us play, it’s such an honour. Almost as special as the three points.

“And it’s so special to be able to be that role model for the younger generation. I’ve said before, growing up, the women’s game wasn’t as high profile, so there wasn’t the opportunity to go to a game with 10,000 fans and watch my favourite.

“To be a part of that for the next generation, it’s a magical feeling and I’m honoured to be part of it.”