Hatters overrun by Tractor Girls

The Hatters started brightly and were dictating play with Shanice Jiminez and McKay worked tirelessly and debutant Kayla Dortch settling in well.

Luton took the lead after 26 minutes when McKay worked an opening 35 yards out and struck a left-footed blockbuster into the roof of the net for one of the best goals seen at Stockwood for quite some time.

Town went close again when Rachel Kosky’s corner was hooked goalwards by Anne Folan, only to be cleared off the line. The Hatters’ inability to score a second proved costly after 40 minutes when Rosi Webb tapped home from close range.

McKay and Natalie Richardson were both denied by the keeper before half time and, in the second period, Ipswich led when Michelle Allum dispatched the ball past Hollie Staples.

Only the brilliance of Staples kept Luton in the game as she saved twice when Ipswich had beaten the offside trap.

With time running out and Luton pushing for a leveller the Tractor Girls scored a decisive third on the counter attack, as Lindsey Smith guided the ball past Staples.

For a full report on how the rest of Town’s sides got on, see the News/Gazette on sale now.