IT’S a decade since Ipswich Town men’s team reached the Fourth Round of the FA Cup but their women’s team may achieve that feat for the first time in their history should they defeat Portsmouth of the FA Women’s National Premier League in Felixstowe on Sunday.

Top of the FA Women’s National League South East Division, Ipswich have won eight consecutive league games and come through four FA Cup ties to reach the Third Round for the second time in three seasons. 

One more win and Ipswich will be in Monday’s Fourth Round draw alongside WSL giants Arsenal, Chelsea and cup holders Manchester City. 

Captain Amanda Crump, who has been with the Suffolk club since joining them in 2000 as a 10-year-old, feels that it will be the biggest game of her career. 

“It’s a huge match for us as a club to see if we can compete with these teams in the league above because essentially that’s where we want to progress to in the future.”

Mid-table last season, Crump puts the team’s improvement down to new coach Joe Sheenan and the integration of several players from the regional Centre of Excellence.

Seventeen-year-old defender Paige Peak is one who has come though the ranks to represent England at u15 and u18 level. Crump has witnessed her progression first hand. 

“I remember coaching her when she was 10 years old, the quality that she shows is absolutely amazing. There’s a few other young ones that also have great ability and are part of the England set-up. There’s great ability coming through the squad and it’s a pleasure to play alongside them.”

With crowds of 761 and 667 for their two “Old Farm” derbies with Norwich this season, Ipswich claim to have the highest attendance figures in the women’s fourth tier thanks in no small part to the formation of a new supporters group, Tractor Girls on Tour (TGOT).

Set up in September, TGOT already have over 1,300 social-media followers and a growing line of merchandise.

“It’s been a great boost,” admitted Crump. “The Women’s World Cup has influenced a few younger people to come and watch us. At the Norwich game, we had over 700 people watching which was an incredible atmosphere for us and it was great to play in.”

In 2016, Crump took a season out of the game to have her daughter Lily-Ella, but she had no doubts she would return to lead her side. 

“When I first fell pregnant, I always knew that I wanted to return to football because I missed it so much. 

“It is tough sometimes trying to juggle being a mum and working and doing the hobby that you love. I think it’s a great inspiration seeing some of the England players who have got children and seeing them with their kids on the pitch. I knew that was what I wanted.”

In October, Crump made her 200th appearance for the club – also in the FA Cup – and was subsequently presented with a commemorative shirt in front of over 20,000 fans at half time of the men’s match against Rotherham. “It was an absolute honour. It’s a club that I’ve grown up being a part of. I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else. I love the setup and I like the vision of where the club wants to be.”

Ipswich Town play Portsmouth at the Goldstar Ground in Felixstowe at1pm on Sunday.
Admission for Ipswich Town season-ticket holders is free, adults £3, concessions £1, u16s free.