Kyra Robertson Savoring Opportunity to Direct Ipswich Town at Portman Road
Rewritten Article:
Ipswich Town Women's Fiery Rise: Kyra Robertson Sets Sights on Portman Road
Kyra Robertson, a 22-year-old midfielder, is all set to lead Ipswich Town Women in their quest for promotion to the FA Women's Championship at Portman Road on Sunday. With the club hot on the heels of leaders Hashtag United in the FA Women's National League South, their fate lies in their own hands.
With just three points separating them from the leaders, the stakes couldn't be higher as Ipswich Town starts their two games in hand against Plymouth Argyle. This second encounter at Portman Road will mark only the second time the Ipswich Town Women's side plays at the club's main stadium—a ground that witnessed a resounding 5-0 victory over Chatham Town in their inaugural match last season.
Remarkably, advance ticket sales have already surpassed 8,000, hinting that the record crowd of 10,173 set during last season's match may be smashed. The team's coach, Joe Sheehan, is optimistic that the ambition of promotion, a long-held dream for the club, will not be derailed.
Unfortunately, the team's regular captain, Maria Boswell, will miss the match due to an injury sustained in their first-ever defeat of the season against Hashtag United. Stepping into Boswell's shoes is her housemate, Kyra Robertson, who has demonstrated unwavering leadership in successive victories over AFC Wimbledon and Gwalia United.
On Sunday, Robertson will be joined by her little sister, who will serve as her personal mascot during the pre-match lineup. The moment is bound to be emotional for Robertson, who hails from a long line of Ipswich Town supporters. "It's going to be truly special for my family," she said. "Although I'm disappointed for Bos, I hope to fill in her shoes and lead the team as Boswell has done."
The club was first introduced to Robertson during her childhood, when she attended a game at Portman Road. Her fond memories of that day have stayed with her, but her loyalty lay elsewhere. "I'd say I wasn't a Town fan myself; my brothers were," she confessed. "Manchester United was my team, and Cristiano Ronaldo was my idol."
Robertson's relationship with Boswell has taken an unusual turn, with Boswell offering some unexpected advice on captaining the side. "It's quite humorous you ask that," Robertson revealed. "She's known for her exceptional ability to win the coin toss. I make her choose 'heads' or 'tails' every week—it somehow makes her feel involved too!"
Ruby Doe, a highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder on loan from West Ham United, will be Robertson's teammate on Sunday. Doe, who played most of last season for Ipswich Town, has grown significantly as a player since their last match together. "This season, Ruby is playing a more defensive role—a stark contrast to her attacking style from last year," Robertson said. "She's a relentless force on the field, and it's a privilege to have her back beside me."
Robertson, who played the full 90 minutes in their victory over Chatham Town last season, retains vivid memories of that memorable day. "It was an unforgettable experience playing at Portman Road," she recalled. "The crowd support was amazing, and we hit a record-breaking 10,000 spectators. It's a day I'll always treasure."
When asked about the defining moment that encapsulated the magnitude of the stage, she pointed to a particular instance during the game. "Pesk (Sophie Peskett) dribbling down the wing set the tone for our victory," she said. "The crowd's encouragement was electric, and it propelled us forward to a resounding 5-0 win."
- Kyra Robertson, currently on loan from Hashtag United, will be playing at Ipswich Town's main stadium, Portman Road, alongside her teammate Sophie Peskett, as they aim to break the record crowd of 10,173 set last season.
- Joe Sheehan, the coach of Ipswich Town Women, is hoping that the club's long-held dream of promotion to the FA Women's Championship will not be derailed, as they prepare to face Plymouth Argyle with just three points separating them from the leaders.
- Sophie Peskett, a key player for Ipswich Town Women, is credited with setting the tone for their victory in last season's inaugural match at Portman Road with her dribbling skills, as the team aims to recreate that magic this Sunday.
