On a chilly evening in front of another large crowd, the game started off at a frantic pace with both sides not giving the other any time to settle on the ball. The game’s first chance came in the 6th minute when Jackson lively striker Stephen Newland headed over when he probably should have worked the goalkeeper.
6 minutes later Police midfield Eammonn Bridger got on the end of a corner from the left but he too couldn’t keep his header down. The Police were starting to create the better of the chances and striker Craig Rumens had two efforts well saved by Jackson ‘keeper Jason Howard in the space of 3 minutes
Jackson responded and in the 20th minute they should have been in front; Craig Whiting delivered a fantastic free-kick from out on the left wing and Newland, who was causing all sorts of problems with his pace, saw his glancing header drift inches over the crossbar. 2 minutes later Jackson Adam Minns audaciously toe-poked his shot from an acute angle across goal only to see it bounce back out off the far post.
However in the 25th minute the Police were in front; striker Craig Rumens latched onto a through ball and smashed the bouncing ball across Howard into the far corner to make the score 1-0.
10 minutes later Mark Roberts almost headed Jackson back on level terms but he could only watch as his effort fell agonisingly wide of the far post with Police ‘keeper Regan Bradshaw rooted to the spot.
Half-Time Score: ISG Jackson 0 Ipswich Area Police 1
The second half started with Jackson on top; in the 49th minute Newland left Police defender Geoff Lucas for dead and was one on one with the keeper but his last touch was heavy and Bradshaw smothered the chance before he could get his shot away.
Despite the missed opportunity, just 2 minutes later they did get their equaliser; midfielder Tom Parker charged through the middle of the defence only to be hauled down by ‘keeper Bradshaw leaving the referee no alternative but to point to the spot, and Connal Griffiths stepped up to slot home.
The remainder of the second half was scrappy with nothing more then half chances at either end; Jackson’s Chris Pratt first saw an overhead kick easily saved before his header was cleared off the line. Meanwhile the Police went close first through Dean Webb and then James Moughton.
There was to be no winning goal and extra-time was needed. The additional 20 minutes were extremely cagey as neither team wanted to concede and both seemed happy to settle for penalties, which were needed as the score remained 1-1.
The Police lost the toss and Jackson slotted away their first kick, and then took the advantage as the first Police spot kick cannoned off the bar and over the top. However it didn’t last long as firstly Bradshaw made what he thought was a fantastic save, only for the kick to be rightly ruled out as he had advanced well off his line. Sensing injustice, Bradshaw then again saved the kick at the second attempt.
The next seven penalties were all successful and after five kicks apiece the scores were level at 4-4. Sudden death saw Jackson miss their first effort, leaving the Police’s Dean Webb the chance to send his side in the final and he did not fail them as he coolly slotted home much the delight of his team mates.
The two sides were extremely evenly matched and it was no surprise that it went all the way to penalties. Jackson took their defeat in a great manner and both sides shared drinks and well appreciated hot food together in the clubhouse afterwards!
Ipswich Area Police will now face Ipswich Postals in the final of this season’s Ipswich Inter-Firm Cup, the date and venue of which is still to be confirmed.
Final Score: ISG Jackson 1 Ipswich Area Police 1
(Ipswich Area Police Win 5-4 on Penalties)
ISG Jackson (Orange Shirts, Orange Shorts & Orange Socks):
Squad: Jason Howard, James Keeble, David Jenkins, Chris Webb, Connal Griffiths, Chris Pratt, Tom Parker, Craig Whiting, Daniel Tucker, Mark Tyrrell, Mark Roberts, Stephen Newland & Adam Minns
Ipswich Area Police (Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts & Blue Socks)
Squad: Regan Bradshaw, Wayne Souza, Jason King, Shaun Wakeling, Geoff Lucas, Andy Martin, Tom Farrell, Eammonn Bridger, Craig Rumens, James Moughton, Mark Pollikett, Marc Soames, Dave King & Dean Webb
Attendance 81
If you are interesting in finding out more about the Ipswich Inter-Firm Cup or would like to register your interest in entering next season's competition, please contact Suffolk FA Football Administration Manager James Payne on 01449 776310 or email by clicking here