Young duo shine in big victory for Ipswich

Lenna Gunning-Williams netted two goals in five minutes and Elkie Bowyer scored her first senior goal in Ipswich Town’s 4-1 victory over Rugby Borough on Sunday afternoon.

Lenna was introduced into the game just after Rugby Borough had equalised in the 70^th minute, and within a minute of being on the pitch, the young forward reinstated Town’s lead as she raced onto Natasha Thomas’ flick on and slotted the ball underneath the goalkeeper with just her second touch of the game.

Then, four minutes later, she grabbed her second and extended their advantage as she advanced into the box before firing her effort past the goalkeeper at the near-post, taking her tally for Town to 12 goals in 18 matches – the second highest at the club.

That’s how to make an impact 💥

Lenna Gunning-Williams off the bench and at the double 👊#itfc pic.twitter.com/TadHkw9hiW

— Ipswich Town FC Women (@ITFCWomen) February 26, 2024

 Elkie stepped off the bench in the 81^st minute and rounded off the scoring for Town in the closing stages.

The two Spurs loanees linked-up for the final goal as Lenna turned provider as she forced the goalkeeper into an error, she found Elkie unmarked inside the box and the midfielder converted her effort through a crowd of bodies and into the back of the net.

The victory for Town saw them rise back into fifth in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division table, as they look to close the gap on league leaders, Portsmouth.

Speaking after the game, Lenna told Town TV: “I’m really happy to come off the bench and make an impact. I was waiting for the ball to go out as I was going to come on and it then went 1-1, so I felt a bit more pressured coming on, but it worked out pretty well."

“I’m also buzzing for Elkie,” Lenna added. “Elkie and I have been playing football together for years, so to be able to assist her first senior goal, I’m really happy for her.”