Ipswich Inter-Firm Cup Quater Final
Thursday 23rd October at Police HQ Martlesham
Current Inter-Firm Cup holders, Ipswich Area Police, progressed into the semi finals of this year’s competition following a freak goal from left-back Chris Squirrell.
The game kicked off in strong winds, and with the wind at their back BT Trimley peppered the Police’s goal with a number of long range shots. The Police lost influential centre half Vinny Grimsey through injury after 13 minutes and took time to re-adjust after a re-shuffle.
Both teams had chances cleared off the line as the first half drew to a close, as goalkeepers and defences dominated proceedings.
The game was going to need a piece of magic to break the deadlock, but instead a freak goal after 54 minutes settled the tie. A free-kick was awarded to the Police out wide, 45 yards from goal, after a careless challenge on Shaun Wakeling. Left back, Chris Squirrell, sent a long ball into the penalty area which the wind got hold of as it sailed over a bemused looking Martin Pilbrough in the BT Trimley goal. The goal was met by stunned silence and disbelief, before celebrations erupted amongst the Police players.
BT Trimley threw everything at the Police in the closing stages of the game but were unable to find the killer touch, as the Police continued to look dangerous with James Moughton’s pace on the break. A strong penalty appeal in added time was the last hope for BT Trimley but the appeals were waved away as the game drew to a close.
With the Police safely through, they await the outcome of the tie between Ipswich Borough Council and ISG Jackson next Wednesday evening at Ipswich Wanderers, to discover their opponents in the semi finals.