Natasha Thomas Scores Five in FA Cup Win, Concluding Eventful Month

Natasha Thomas, Ipswich Town Women’s record scorer with over 150 goals, concluded an “impactful month” by netting five goals in a 12-0 victory against MK Dons, which advanced them to the second round of the Women’s FA Cup. In recent weeks, she achieved a new record for the most games played for Ipswich Town Women, marking her 217th appearance for the club. Additionally, Thomas became the first player from Town to feature in an international match when she debuted for Jamaica against France. “Since being away with Jamaica, I’ve come back with a different mindset to ensure I can not only help the team with goals and assists, but working hard for them, no matter who we’re playing,” the 28-year-old informed BBC Radio Suffolk. She added, “It’s been an impactful month for me. I think it’s just [about] ensuring I don’t get too high and I don’t get too low.” Regarding her international debut, she further stated: “It really was amazing and it’s not just for me individually, it’s for us as a club, a town and a community.” Thomas continued, “I didn’t feel fazed, I didn’t feel scared when the gaffer called me up to go on the pitch. But I’ve got to keep working hard – yes, I’ve made my debut but now I need to make sure I’m at the next [training] camp and in contention to play then as well.” On Sunday, Thomas opened Ipswich’s scoring against MK Dons in the first minute from Shauna Guyatt’s cross and sealed their emphatic win with the final goal in the 81st minute. Besides her five goals, the other goals for Town were scored by Angela Addison (2), Guyatt (2), Sophie Peskett, Leah Mitchell, and Kyra Robertson. However, their goal tally in this match did not quite match their performance against the same opponents a week earlier, when they secured a 13-0 win over MK Dons in the Women’s National League Southern Premier. Ipswich is scheduled to play Hashtag United away in the second round of the Women’s FA Cup on 24 November. Thomas played for Waveney and Lowestoft before joining Ipswich in 2015 and signing her first professional contract three years ago; she also helped them reach the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2022. Boss Joe Sheehan commented, “One of my proudest feelings is seeing Tash run out against France, knowing her story, how long she’s been here, how hard she’s worked, and some of the challenges, some obstacles and adversity [she’s faced] along the way.” He further elaborated on her contribution: “If she doesn’t score, we don’t need to be harsh on her and when she does, we don’t need to over-praise her because her [overall] contribution is brilliant.” Sheehan concluded, “She’s incredibly hard working with the ball or without the ball, her contribution to other players scoring is important, and she unselfishly occupies defenders.” Despite their ongoing cup run, Ipswich’s primary objective this season is to secure promotion to the second tier of the women’s game. The team currently sits third in the table, with two games in hand on leaders Hashtag and Oxford United. They are set to face second-placed Oxford on 17 November, following next Sunday’s away game at Cheltenham Town.