In a one-sided encounter at The MEL Group Stadium on 24 November 2024, Ipswich Wanderers EJA U15 faced a daunting challenge against AFC Sudbury U15, who emerged victorious with a staggering 9-0 scoreline. The match kicked off at 11:45 am, and it quickly became evident that the home side was in formidable form.
Ipswich Wanderers set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Keaton Bertram in goal, flanked by a back four comprising Ethan Ghirawoo on the right, Jake Schreurs on the left, and the central defensive pairing of Ryan Ridgeon and Robson Sheldrake. In midfield, Jack Bewsher and Alfie Smith operated as central midfielders, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting the attack. Ahead of them, Ransford Kyei, Lorenzo Palladino, and Malachi Hixson formed the attacking trio, with Kyei on the right, Hixson on the left, and Palladino in the central attacking role, while Kayman George led the line as the striker. The substitutes for the match included Igor Prokop, Charlie Peck, Lewis Barwick, Arthur Harrison, and Daniel Chapman.
The match began with a shocking start for Ipswich, as AFC Sudbury were awarded a penalty just one minute in, which they converted to take an early lead. This setback forced Ipswich to make an immediate tactical substitution, bringing on Igor Prokop for Ransford Kyei in an attempt to regain control of the game. However, the early goal seemed to galvanise the hosts, who doubled their advantage in the seventh minute, leaving Ipswich reeling.
As the first half progressed, AFC Sudbury continued to dominate proceedings. They added a third goal in the 26th minute, followed by a fourth just eight minutes later, effectively putting the game beyond Ipswich's reach before half-time. Ipswich's woes were compounded by an injury to Jake Schreurs, leading to Charlie Peck's introduction in the seventh minute. The half concluded with the score at 4-0, leaving Ipswich with a mountain to climb.
The second half commenced with Ipswich making a tactical change, substituting Lorenzo Palladino for Daniel Chapman. However, the onslaught from AFC Sudbury resumed almost immediately, as they scored their fifth goal just a minute after the restart. Ipswich made another substitution in the 53rd minute, bringing Ransford Kyei back on for Kayman George, but the changes failed to stem the tide.
AFC Sudbury continued their relentless attack, scoring their sixth goal in the 58th minute, followed by a seventh just two minutes later. The visitors were now firmly in control, and Ipswich struggled to mount any meaningful response. The final nail in the coffin came in the 67th and 69th minutes, as Sudbury added two more goals to their tally, bringing the score to a staggering 9-0.
The referee, Stefan Lewis, had a challenging afternoon, overseeing a match that saw Ipswich unable to find their rhythm against a well-organised and clinical AFC Sudbury side. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory for the hosts, leaving Ipswich Wanderers EJA with much to ponder as they look to regroup after this heavy defeat.
