Ipswich Town hope it will be cup Seven Up
A SEVENTH successive HomeStore Self Storage Suffolk Women’s Cup win would be a ‘significant achievement’ for Ipswich Town.
So says Ralph Pruden, a member of the club’s management team, ahead of Sunday’s final against Needham Market at AFC Sudbury, kick-off 5pm.
Pruden said: “Obviously having entered the competition it’s something we want to go on and win. We are proud of our record and will hope to be lifting the trophy again.
“Most importantly this is another opportunity to inspire girls in the county, showing them what can be achieved and the quality of players in the area.”
Pruden, a former manager himself of the side who play in The FA Women’s National League Division One South East, said: “I think everyone will understand that for us as a club, winning this competition this season has not been top of our priorities.
“However, winning seven in a row would be a significant achievement and it’s worth remembering it’s taken a lot of hard work to get to this position.
“Eight years ago the club had been knocked out with a whimper and there were a couple of other teams who could lay claim to being the best team in Suffolk.
“To be in the position of strength that we now are is testament to the hard work and commitment of all the players and staff involved.”
Ipswich will be facing opponents who they defeated 8-0 in the final two seasons ago, but Pruden said there will be no room for complacency.
“Needham are a team who want to push on and must be respected as such. We obviously know a bit about a fair number of their players with so many of them having represented ITFC over the years.
“They certainly won’t lack for players with quality and experience but what the actual squad will look like, we have no idea!
“We certainly won’t be complacent going into the game, we appreciate that we are favourites and haven’t been stretched so far but we are determined to showcase the talent of our young players.
“Needham, I am sure, will be very motivated to cause an upset and anything can happen in a one-off game,” said Pruden.
Ipswich have rattled in a staggering 71 goals in four matches en route to the final, with Pruden acknowledging the gulf in quality against the opposition they have faced.
He said: “In terms of the earlier wins, the girls have had to face some challenges that they don’t usually get which is a big positive but there has certainly been a gulf in quality.
“Of course, that’s not ideal but we want the standard of play in the county to get better and start to close the gap whilst we progress up the pyramid.”
Ipswich Town players are pictured above celebrating after defeating Needham Market 8-0 in the final at Portman Road two years ago.
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