AFTER four games in the Kappa Pro Series, Ipswich FC Men sit fifth in the six-team Pool B standings, following a 4-2 defeat to Eastern Suburbs FC at Heath Park on Friday night.
Despite an early lead, Ipswich struggled to contain the home side’s attacking firepower, and now holds a record of one win and three losses in the round-robin tournament.
The match started well for Ipswich FC, with Jac Parrott finding the net in just the fourth minute to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
However, Eastern Suburbs responded quickly, with Bailey Ferguson levelling in the 11th minute.
The momentum soon shifted in favour of the hosts, as Braydon Doolan struck twice in the space of two minutes, putting Eastern Suburbs ahead 3-1 at half-time.
Ipswich looked to regain control in the second half, making key substitutions, but Junsei Esaka extended the lead to 4-1 for the home side in the 69th minute.
Ipswich showed resilience, with Daniel Kovacevic pulling a goal back in the 78th minute to make it 4-2.
The match was a physical contest, with yellow cards issued to Ipswich players James Cuminao (30’) and Michael Hannant (86’).
The Ipswich side started its campaign strongly with a 4-0 victory over Capalaba FC, featuring a brace from Joshua Holden.
However, since then the team has struggled for results, falling 2-0 to Logan Lightning on the road and 3-1 to Peninsula Power at Briggs Road in front of the Ipswich faithful.
At the top of the Pool B standings, Peninsula Power remains dominant, winning all three of its matches.
With the FQPL season beginning this weekend, Ipswich FC will play its next Kappa Pro Series fixture on Saturday, March 15, against Sunshine Coast Wanderers.
