Footballers on 'special' record-breaking match

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."

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."

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 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."

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.