THREE goals in ten second-half minutes saw Ipswich Town retain their vice-like grip on the HomeStore Self Storage Suffolk Women’s Cup.

They defeated AFC Sudbury 5-1 in Bank Holiday Monday’s final at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, home of Colchester United FC, to record their fourth straight win in the competition.

Underdogs AFC Sudbury took an 18th minute lead via Sophie Jeffrey which lasted only a minute before FA Women’s Premier League South East Division One Ipswich drew level through Natasha Thomas.

Amanda Crump put Ipswich ahead before half-time, but goals in the second period from Sophie Welton, Lindsey Cooper and Thomas gave Ipswich their sixth win in this competition in the last seven seasons.

East Region Women’s Premier League side AFC Sudbury took the lead in the 18th minute when Jeffrey’s right-wing corner deceived Ipswich goalkeeper Sian Fagg and dropped just inside the far post.

AFC Sudbury’s joy was shortlived as Welton’s cross was pushed out by Penny Everett into the path of Thomas, who fired into the roof of the net from close range.

Ipswich, incredibly, struck the underside of the crossbar three times before the break, Cossey and Welton both seeing efforts from distance hit the woodwork and Cooper’s header doing likewise.

But they did get their noses in front in the 33rd minute when Cossey found Thomas on the left and her low cross picked out the unmarked Crump to sidefoot home.

Ipswich striker Miagh Downey hit the outside of the near post in the 53rd minute, but two minutes later Everett failed to gather Thomas’ shot and Welton scored from an angle beyond the far post.

Crump’s right-wing corner was headed home into the top far corner of the net by Cooper from Crump’s right-wing corner on the hour and five minutes later Thomas guided home from Cossey’s cross from the left. Thomas is pictured scoring above. Photograph courtesy of Paul Voller.

That was the end of the scoring, although AFC Sudbury almost reduced the deficit in the 75th minute, Jeffrey and both Phoebe Guiver going close after Cooper had been caught in possession.

The cup and medals were presented by John Taylor, manager of the Ipswich branch of competition sponsors HomeStore Self Storage, and his partner Donna Mann.

The Teams

Ipswich Town: Sian Fagg, Jac Ball, Jordan Arnoup, Nicole Pannifer, Lindsey Cooper, Cassie Craddock, Natasha Thomas, Amanda Crump, Miagh Downey, Sophie Welton, Zoe Cossey. Used subs: Roxanne Small, Harriet Petley, Gemma Moore, Tori Campbell.

AFC Sudbury: Penny Everett, Holly Harrison, Marie Seabrook, Phoebe Guiver, Rebecca Chandler, Rebekah Henderson, Emma Squirrel, Amy Evans, Semma Halil, Mia Etheridge, Sophie Jeffrey. Used subs: Stacey Teager, Charlene Roach, Charlotte Churchman, Georgia Lindon, Phoebe Scott.

Referee: Robert Bareham.

Attendance: 446.