Ipswich Town Women FC drew 1-1 with AFC Wimbledon in their opening game of their Women’s National League Division One South East season at the Goldstar Ground Felixstowe on Sunday, Abbie Lafayette the scorer of the Blues goal.

Boss Joe Sheehan named a young team featuring six players under the age of 17, while summer signing Nikita Runnacles made her debut in goal.

Despite a bright start, the Tractor Girls, watched by men's first-team pair Kayden Jackson and Jordan Roberts, found themselves behind after only 10 minutes, Helen Ogle having headed an Elizabeth O’Callaghan cross home for the visitors.

Town were unlucky not to level through Sophie Peskett, whose shot from distance was tipped over by Charlotte Ferguson.

Skipper Amanda Crump volleyed wide as the Blues threatened an equaliser which finally came just before half-time.

🎥 HIGHLIGHTS | Check out our official highlights from yesterday’s 1-1 @FAWNL opening day draw with @afcw_ladies at @Felixseasiders #ITFC pic.twitter.com/LCTi3hg1GG

— Ipswich Town FC Women (@ITFCWomen) August 19, 2019

Paige Peake’s corner reached summer signing Blue Wilson, her shot deflected to Lafayette, who found the corner of the net.

Town continued to create chances in the second half, keeper Ferguson denying Maddie Biggs five minutes after the restart.

Eva Hubbard went close with a strike from the edge of the box then, with what would prove to be the best chance of the half, Peskett shot over from the edge of the six-yard box, before Wilson scuffed a volley wide. At the other end, Katie Stanley curled a shot past the post for the Dons.

Late on, Natasha Thomas sent the ball across the six-yard box but Biggs couldn’t reach it and Hubbard slammed into the side-netting, and Town were to end the afternoon frustrated.

ITFC Women are next in action next Sunday away against Southampton FC Women in the determining round of the WNL Cup.

Town: Runnacles, Pannifer (Dunn), Peake, Egan, Hubbard, Wilson, Lafayette, Crump (Wakefield), Rossiter (Thomas), Peskett, Biggs. Unused: Clarke, Cooper. Att: 150.

For more information on ITFC Women, follow their social media channels via @ITFCWomen or visit their website.

Photo: Ross Halls

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