Ipswich Town 3 (Adelumiyi 37, Boswell 43, 78) Wolves 1 (Hughes 18)
Wolves Women missed out on a third successive win after a 3-1 defeat at Ipswich Town which had moments of controversy at both ends of the pitch.
Amber Hughes’ early strike was too little for the visitors, as goals from Princess Ademiluyi and a brace from captain Maria Boswell earned the home side three points.
Wolves were the side that instantly sprang into action as a Louanne Worsey cross aimed at Charlotte Greengrass was bundled out for a corner in the first minute.
But it would be hosts that would have the first attempt of the game, as striker Ademiluyi’s strike from close range was blocked impressively by Emily Orman, before Meg Hornby’s follow-up was cleared away.
Dan McNamara’s side would open the scoring in the 18th minute, as Hughes’ relentless pressing allowed her to rob the ball, before her low, near-post effort struck the back of the net to earn her third of the season, though the home side did protest that the ball had already gone out before Hughes fired home.
Ipswich responded swiftly however, as Ademiluyi picked up the ball from deep before her ambitious attempt sailed into the back of the net, catching out Orman from range.
The home side almost added another in the 41st minute, as Hornby’s shot was held by Orman following strong work from winger Tegan McGowan.
Ipswich took the lead on the stroke of half-time through dubious circumstances. Boswell's cross was caught by Orman on the line, under pressure from the attacker but the referee - after a lengthy consultation with her assistant - awarded the goal, despite the linesman flag initially being raised, seemingly, for offside.
Wolves threatened an equaliser multiple times before the end of the first period, with Canadian shot-stopper called into action twice, as long-range efforts from Chloe Williams and Anna Morphet came close.
Half time | Ipswich 2-1 Wolves
The Old Gold’s sustained pressure continued into the second half as Worsey found space on the right several times, with a hopeful attempt saved comfortably by Proulx.
Just moments later Ipswich came close to a third through Ademiluyi, but an outstanding stop from Orman kept Dan McNamara’s side within reach.
Continuing to apply pressure in the 65th minute, the Old Gold forced another save, with substitute Olivia Francis beating two players before firing at goal.
Georgia Timms threatened to put the game to bed, as she penetrated through the defence before her cross was bundled away for a corner.
Despite some positive moments for the away side, Ipswich would extend their lead, as an excellent strike from Boswell following a clearance rose into the top corner, confirming her second of the game and Ipswich’s third.
Whilst Wolves tried to find a way back into the game for the last period, Ipswich remained organised at the back, limiting any significant chances.
Wolves will now look to bounce back next Sunday, as they face Watford at the SEAH Stadium.
Full time | Ipswich 3-1 Wolves
Wolves: Orman, Roberts (Lawley 78’), Morphet (Matthews 60’), Marshall, Sims, Williams, Olding (George 78’), Daniëls, Hughes (Filis 60’), Worsley (Francis 60’), Greengrass
Unused Subs: Brooks, Jenner, Anderson, Jones
Ipswich: Proulx, Boswell, Hunter, Weir, Roe, Palmer (Cavanagh 88’) Mitchell, Hornby (Lawton 88’), Timms, McGowan (Ayane 73’), Ademiluyi
Unused Subs: Negri, Fox, Slattery, O’Brien, McAteer, Peake
