Ipswich midfielder Fleming suffers ACL injury

Charlotte Fleming joined Ipswich in the summer after playing for Watford last season

Ipswich Town midfielder Charlotte Fleming is facing what the club say is a "significant spell on the sidelines" after suffering a serious knee injury.

Fleming ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during Sunday's Women's FA Cup second round tie against Hashtag United.

Ipswich - the leaders of Women's National League Southern Premier - won 4-1 on penalties after the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

"She has been a central member of our team following her move in the summer and will certainly be a big miss for us during the second half of the season," said manager Joe Sheehan.

"For Charlotte, this injury is an especially tough one given she suffered a ruptured ACL in her other knee two years ago, but she has shown she can fight back from this before and I am sure she will do so again with the support of everyone at the club."

In a post on Instagram, Fleming said: "To hear the news that I have ruptured my ACL was something I never thought I would have to re-live and experience again."

She told her team-mates she would now become their number-one fan, adding: "You have given me the belief and confidence to be a better player and now it's my turn to give that back. I will be there every step of the way to see you all succeed."

Ipswich are targeting promotion to the Championship - the second tier of the women's game - this season after strengthening their squad over the summer.

The cup win over Hashtag avenged a 1-0 home defeat in the league by their title rivals on 20 October.

Victory earned them a home tie against AFC Bournemouth, from a level below, giving them a great chance of reaching round four when Women's Super League sides enter the competition.