Ipswich Town 0, London City Lionesses 2.

London City bowed out of the Subway Women’s League Cup, despite recording an away victory against Ipswich Town in their final Group D fixture. 

Sunday 23^rd November | JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester 

A goal in either half courtesy of Finnish duo Sanni Franssi and Lotta Lindström sealed the three points at the Jobserve Community Stadium.

London City headed into the contest knowing they could advance with victory at Ipswich and Leicester losing against Palace - Leicester’s five-goal difference advantage over London City making it hard for them to take top spot.

As it happened, the match in the East Midlands ended with a comfortable win for Palace which saw the South London side reach the quarter-finals.

Head coach Jocelyn Prêcheur made 10 changes to the starting XI who beat Aston Villa in the Barclays Women’s Super League last time out with Rofiat Imuran the solitary starter remaining. 

Academy trio Chloe Kabo, Sienna Loom and Tara Walsh were named in the matchday squad after impressing for the U21s this season with full-back Loom brought on for her senior debut late on in the contest.

London City dominated possession in the opening stages but chances were few and far between. 

Their first opportunity arrived on the 15th minute mark, Lindström in the thick of the action, running to the edge of the box and firing over the crossbar.

Midfielder Katie Zelem was also lively, meeting Imuran’s cross after a fine ball from María Pérez before Zelem’s well-executed free-kick drifted just wide. 

Goalkeeper Laura Hartley then thwarted Lindström as the visitors began to carve opportunities.

They were not to be denied for long, though. Franssi intercepted, embarked on a marauding run and slotted a cool finish giving her side a deserved half-time lead.

Prêcheur’s side came out quickly in the second half. Imuran, ever impactful down the left flank, picked out Gesa Marashi whose effort was well saved by Hartley. 

To their credit, Ipswich continued to work hard and came close when a cross into the box looked destined to loop into the back of the net but stopper Sophia Poor was able to push away. 

In response, Lindström created another opening with a fine turn and shot and moments later, scored London City’s second of the afternoon, turning home substitute Sofia Jakobsson’s cross. 

With news that Crystal Palace were two goals ahead at Leicester, City attacked with intensity for the final stages. Fresh from her call-up to the England Women’s Senior team, Freya Godfrey was introduced from the bench and won her side a number of set pieces - Alanna Kennedy going close with a header from a corner. 

As the game opened up, the hosts best openings came on the counter attack, and in stoppage time Natasha Thomas’ effort crashed off the post after strong hold-up play.

At the other end, Zelem saw her attempt deflected behind for a corner. 

While understandably disappointed to exit the competition, Prêcheur was pleased with the efforts of his group and expressed the importance of  game time for many squad members. 

“It was a good performance and determined display today,” said Prêcheur.

“We knew heading into this game our chances of qualifying were low given the reliance of results elsewhere and permutations.

“We could have scored more goals.  We know how important building cohesion and strong performances are, so I am pleased.  

“We were very offensive in the last 10 minutes, we knew we needed a goal so we lost our shape a little defensively as we were chasing the game but that is natural.

"I am pleased with the effort and I am very pleased with the way the players acquitted themselves.

“When you sign a lot of new players as did this summer, one of our challenges is to create a group. The season is long, we will need everyone and today was a good opportunity to keep everyone involved and important minutes for many players.” 

Following the international break, we return home to the CopperJax Community Stadium, Bromley on Sunday 7th December to host Brighton and Hove Albion.

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Teamsheet: Poor, Goldie, Pérez, Franssi, Roddar, Marashi (Jakobsson 61’), Lindström (Godfrey 81’), Zelem, Brown (Parris 61’), Rofiat (Loom 90’), Kennedy