Women's Preview: Ipswich vs Saints
Southampton FC Women will play their part in a milestone match against Ipswich in the Barclays Women's Super League 2 on Saturday.
THE MATCH
Ipswich vs Saints
Barclays Women's Super League 2
Portman Road
Saturday 28th March, 12:30pm
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Saints will be the visitors for the first ever second tier match held at Portman Road, as a bumper crowd is expected for the hosts.
Simon Parker's side were held to a goalless draw last time out, as they took a point back down south from their long trip to face Durham.
An important late save from Fran Stenson preserved the clean sheet - her sixth of the season - to put a positive note on a draw that could have been an important win on another day.
The result means the WSL2 promotion spots are still achievable, but now out of the hands as Simon Parker's side who will be aiming for a positive end to the campaign with four games to play.
Saints were held to a draw in the North East. (Photo: George Wood)
Ipswich are locked in the fight for survival at the other end of the table, as their first season in the second tier has been a tale of two halves.
The Tractor Girls won just once in the first half of the season and were rooted to the foot of the table, but a change in management and a statement set of January signings breathed new life into the side who lost just once in their last six games.
Important wins over Portsmouth and Durham moved David Wright's side off the bottom with two games in hand, as they know that nine points from their last five games will guarantee their survival.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Saints started the season style with a dominant 4-0 win when the two sides met on the opening day back in September.
Goals from Atlanta Primus and Amy Goddard, along with a Mary Bashford brace, sealed a memorable St Mary's win and welcomed the Tractor Girls to second tier football with a tough result on the road.
WHAT KIT ARE SAINTS WEARING?
Simon Parker's side will be in their red and white home kit on the road for the second week in a row.
SATURDAY'S OFFICIALS
Referee: Aimee Keir
Assistant Referee: Ralph Frostick
Assistant Referee: Peter Wilson
Fourth Official: Laura Van Lier
TICKET NEWS
Travelling supporters fans are able to purchase tickets via the hosts' ticketing site from the following link.
Away tickets are in the Cobbold Stand Lower Tier, with Block VL available alongside the Away Accessible Area (Block VA).
Tickets are priced at:
Adult: £10
Senior 65+: £8
Under 18: £5
Under 11: FREE*
Personal Assistant: FOC
Under 11 (Additional): £2
* You may select up to 2 FREE Under 11 tickets per Adult/Senior 65+ ticket that you select. If you wish to purchase more than 2 Under 11s per Adult/Senior 65+ ticket, then select the Under 11 (Additional) ticket.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
For further travel and matchday information, visit Ipswich's dedicated visitor guide for this fixture on their website.
CAN’T MAKE IT ON SATURDAY?
This season, all league matches will be broadcast live on the Barclays Women's Super League 2 YouTube channel, with coverage starting shortly before kick-off.
There will be live updates and plenty of behind-the-scenes access on our dedicated social media accounts as always, with full match highlights to follow after the game:
