Rachel Brown proved the hero in the dying moments, stabbing home from close range after a chaotic goalmouth scramble sparked by Aimee Palmer’s free-kick.

The ball ricocheted kindly into her path on the line, allowing her to secure a memorable win at the death.

Abbie Ferguson, returning to the starting XI for the first time since January in place of the injured Ellie Brazil, made an immediate impact down the right flank.

Showing quick feet, she beat her marker and delivered a low cross into the box that Ipswich failed to clear.

Mary Bashford reacted quickest, poking the ball beneath the goalkeeper to silence the home crowd early on.

Despite the early setback, Ipswich responded with intent. Princess Ademiluyi caused problems in the opening exchanges, while a well-worked counter-attack nearly brought an equaliser.

Kit Graham’s powerful strike from the edge of the area was bravely blocked by Meg Collett, setting the tone for a resilient defensive display.

From the resulting corner, Bashford was again called into action, heading off the line before Fran Stenson made a sharp close-range save to preserve the lead.