Ipswich Town Women: Kieran McKenna praises Joe Sheehan’s side after crushing MK Dons 11-0 to all but confirm league title win and gain promotion to the Women’s Championship

Kieran McKenna has praised Ipswich Town Women after they all but confirmed the FAWNL Southern Premier Division title and promotion to the Women’s Championship for the first time following a resounding 11-0 thrashing of MK Dons.

Town go into the final game of the season in a fortnight three points clear of second-placed Hashtag United.

With the Blues’ superior goal difference of 36, the win against the Dons effectively means Joe Sheehan’s side have won the title and will play in the second tier for the first time in their history next season.

McKenna said: “That would be one to celebrate for them and for the club. A great result for them today.

“So that’s pretty much it done and it will be confirmed in a home game which I said to (manager Joe Sheehan) is always the best way to do it, to make sure he times it well.

“I think he has timed it well, so now he can enjoy the celebrations properly after a home game.”

The club’s all-time top scorer Natasha Thomas got the afternoon off to the best possible start at Stadium MK with a brace before the 20th minute.

Sophie Peskett went on to grab six goals, with two strikes from Lucy O’Brien and one from Ella Rutherford.

Blues boss Sheehan said: “It’s a big win for us and one we knew we needed, but nothing’s done yet or confirmed.

“Maybe a little bit of mixed feelings in obviously feeling really pleased that we’ve managed to win the game convincingly and put ourselves in a good position going into our final game.

“There’s still one more to play and until it’s mathematically confirmed, then I’ll hold off that extra bit of feeling and elation until we hopefully get over the line.”

The Blues can not realistically be caught with their final home game of the season against Cheltenham Town on Sunday, April 27, at the Martello Stadium, set up to celebrate promotion.