Jorja Fox battling for the ball (Image: Ross Halls)
Jorja Fox battling for the ball (Image: Ross Halls)
A resolute and strong Ipswich Town Women fell to a late defeat against a star-studded London City Lionesses in the Subway Players Cup.
Town were really good all game, but the WSL side broke the deadlock in the 90th minute through Dutch international Danielle Van De Donk.
Town's starting 11 against London City Lionesses (Image: Ross Halls)
Team news
David Wright made a number of changes to his starting eleven to the side who have been unbeaten so far in the league.
Natalia Negri started in goal instead of Lysianne Proulx who has made the number one position her own.
In defence, Maria Boswell and Kenzie Weir retain their places with Paige Peake and Jorja Fox made up the defence.
There were also starts for the first time this season for Colette Cavanagh, Mary McAteer, Jenna Slattery and Rosella Ayane.
Academy player Faith Adebayo appeared on the bench.
For London City, they started with former England goalkeeper Mary Earps and Nikita Parris.
Former Town player Freya Godfrey was on the bench alongside two time Ballon D'Or and Best FIFA Women's player Alexia Putellas.
Town XI: Negri, Boswell (C), Peake, Weir, Fox, Dear, Cavanagh, McAteer (Hornby,69), Slattery, O'Brien, Ayane (Ademiluyi,69)
Lionesses XI: Earps, Perez, Corrales (Jana,45), Linari (C), Parris (Van De Donk,66), Cascarino (Diani,45), Goodwin (Godfrey,66), Leon (Kardinaal,45), Kafaji, Geyoro, Thomsen
Lucy O'Brien on the ball (Image: Ross Halls)
Fast start
It was a frantic start from both sides, with it resembling a basketball game for the opening 10 minutes.
The first major chance fell to London City in the 8th minute after Onema Geyoro had an effort from range but Weir blocked it, with the ball looking set for the corner of the net, but Negri was able to pull off a great save.
The next 10 minutes it was a case of making sure the visitors didn't take the lead. Town's defence stood strong to deny London City, who were putting crosses into the box and proving tricky on the wings.
Town did really well defensively thwarting any attack from London City. Fox proved really important at left back for the Tractor Girls.
Town had a great chance in the 43rd minute after Ayane pounced on a loose ball and held it up well, playing it into the middle for Lucy O'Brien whose shot went just wide of the post.
Jorja Fox battling for the ball (Image: Ross Halls)
Backs to the wall
London City Lionesses continued to be the team on top, but still, Town stood firm.
Lionesses came closest in the 60th minute when, on their third corner in quick succession, the ball was pinging around the area, with it looking as though it was heading for the goal.
Town were able to get it out eventually through Boswell and Town's clean sheet remained intact.
Negri did really well with a number of efforts from London City. She was quick to claim crosses and strong when needing to punch the ball away from danger.
Jenna Dear on the ball for Town (Image: Ross Halls)
Conceding late
For 90 minutes, Town proved a worthy opponent for a strong WSL side but in the last minute, London City Lionesses scored.
Peake came to meet a ball and miss queued her kick allowing the Lionesses to get on the ball before it was smashed across the face of the goal and Dutch international Van De Donk was there to hit the ball against the crossbar and into the roof of the net.
The game finished 1-0 to the visitors, but Town proved they could battle against one of the countries best sides.
Attendance: 1,283