The dream may be over for Bracknell Town but for well over an hour Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg’s side had their supporters hoping as they went toe to toe with an Ipswich Town side which hopes to be playing Championship football next season.
There was a quiet start to the first half at blustery Bottom Meadow as the dangerous Kyle Edwards cut in and shot high and wide for Ipswich early on as efforts on goal were few and far between. The hosts enjoyed a spell of pressure as Max Herbert’s corner threatened but a foul was given against Anthony Cheshire. Another set piece well-delivered by Herbert narrowly evaded the busy George Knight at the far post before the half settled into a pattern of Ipswich possession and Bracknell high-press.
Chances came for the League One high-flyers as the half wore on. Edwards and Freddie Ladapo exchanged passes and the latter’s well struck effort was pushed away by Michael Eacott with the loose ball rescued by Kayden Jackson only for Cameron Humphreys to stab the ball wide. Ladapo then fed Kane Vincent-Young, forcing Eacott into a brilliant block with his feet before Ipswich captain Sam Morsy somehow miscued the rebound wide. A third good chance came and went when Ladapo pulled Edward’s cross wide of goal.
The EFL side carved out a good opening early in the second period as Vincent-Young’s cross was brilliantly swept away by Dan Bayliss before the Robins enjoyed their best period of the game. Consecutive corners were forced as the atmosphere intensified but Eacott had to come to the rescue again just after the hour, making a fine save from Ladapo with his feet.
A couple of key moments midway through the half changed the game. Ipswich hearts were pumping as the ball bounced around the box and the ball wouldn’t bounce kindly for Bayliss whose shot was lofted over. A minute later Bayliss had the ball in the net – his own net, under pressure from Edwards, diverting Vincent-Young’s ball into the box past Eacott for the opener.
Ipswich took control in the final quarter of the match. Vincent-Young’s second assist of the night putting the ball on a plate for Ladapo. The third came following a sumptuous through ball by Humphreys for Welsh international Wes Burns to cue up Panutche Camara. The game was over but the applause for a memorable run rang out long and loud at the final whistle.
