Footballers on 'special' record-breaking match

Ipswich Town Women are pictured in a huddle during their Portman Road match. A referee in a black stands nearby while the crowd behind them watches on.Image source, Stuart Howells/BBC
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Ipswich Town women played for a second time at Portman Road where they took the win against Plymouth Argyle

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Footballers have spoken out about the "special experience" they had after a record-breaking crowd attended their most recent match.

Ipswich Town Women took on Plymouth Argyle in front of a crowd of 10,807 supporters on Sunday, for their second time playing at Portman Road - winning the match 3-1.

Last year, 10,173 fans attended their league fixture with Chatham Town which saw Town win 5-0.

Midfielder Lucy O'Brien, who scored the opening goal on Sunday, said it meant "everything" to have such a large supporter turnout.

The club usually plays its home games at Felixstowe & Walton United FC.

"We know what a great fan base we have," O'Brien said.

"Every week at Felixstowe people turn up no matter the weather and their support is unbelievable.

"To get a big turnout here is so special."

Natasha Thomas of Ipswich Town walks out onto the Portman Road stadium. A child holds her hand also dressed in an Ipswich Town kit.Image source, Stuart Howells/BBC
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Natasha Thomas said she was moved by the crowds at Portman Road

O'Brien was also emotional to see so many young fans in attendance.

"It means everything, to see the young fans here that we're inspiring - it's such an honour to be a part of that," she added.

"When I was younger I wish I had a game like this to come to and players to look up.

"To be able to inspire that next generation, it means the world."

The club are chasing promotion from the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division.

They sit top of the league above Essex rivals Hashtag United.

Town striker Natasha Thomas added: "It means a lot, not only being here at Portman Road, we knew we needed to get three points... I'm glad we're back on the scoresheet."

Ipswich Town fan and singer Ed Sheeran following the Premier League match at Portman Road, Ipswich. He looks over his shoulder to the left. He wears a black jacket with the Ipswich Town FC logo on it along with his initials. He has long red hair and blue seats of the stadium can be seen behind him.Image source, PA Media
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Ed Sheeran watched the game on Sunday and celebrated with the players afterwards

In attendance during Sunday's match was Town supporter and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

He was captured in the changing rooms post-match enjoying celebrations, external with the women.

Speaking about the moment, O'Brien said: "It's a special, special experience for us.

"He's obviously such a famous, well-known person, but he's so down to earth.

"He's such a nice guy and [I'm] honoured to be able to share that moment with him and I wonder if he knows my name now."

Children wave large blue flags that read Ipswich Town Foundation on them. The crowd sit in the stands behind them.Image source, Stuart Howells/BBC
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Portman Road was filled with a record-breaking number of supporters for Ipswich Town Women's game

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