Ipswich Town Women’s hopes of winning FAWNL Division One South East, which they currently top, have been dashed after an FA decision to end the current campaign and declaring it null and void.

The Tractor Girls have been the division’s frontrunners for most of the season and are a point clear of Wimbledon. The season was suspended on March 16th due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The FA have today made the decision to end the FAWNL season indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic,” a tweet from ITFC Women’s official account reads.

“As a result, the current season has been declared null and void, with no promotions or relegations taking place.”

An FA statement reads: "The FA, FA Women’s Board members and the Women’s Football Conference have consulted and reached a consensus regarding the women’s football pyramid.

"The FA and the leagues within tiers three to seven have reached a consensus to bring the season to an immediate end and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between tiers three to seven."

The news permaturely ends what had been a superb season for the Tractor Girls with the highlight an FA Cup run to the fifth round where they were beaten by holders and Women’s Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Local men's non-league sides, such as Stowmarket Town who top the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division having been unbeaten all campaign, face the same frustration with the season for steps three to six similarly brought to an end by the FA with all results expunged.

Photo: Dave Francis

Gogs added 15:50 - Mar 26 How gutting for the girls. It might be officially expunged, but they and the fans must remember it fondly. Hopefully when we're all back up and running again they can come back stronger than ever.
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runningout added 16:00 - Mar 26 Carry good play into next season
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runaround added 16:08 - Mar 26 That is really harsh on our women's team
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therein61 added 16:35 - Mar 26 What a pity after their efforts this season when they have brought a chink of light into a dark season for the club, get up and go again next year you blue girls.
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filobiz added 20:04 - Mar 26 unlucky, girls. come back stronger next season! ITFC be proud!
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JewellintheTown added 09:39 - Mar 27 We know they're this seasons champions and sign of a true champion is to be able to do it again, so I have complete faith they will next season. Sad they don't get to do it this one. Seems inconsistent with the mens game though and shows how important it is for them to to get to Championship level ASAP.
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EatonBlue added 10:33 - Mar 27 A fair solution to this would have been to carry a points adjustment through to next season. For example a team with 20 points from 15 games would start next season with an adjustment of +5 points.
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Westy added 11:32 - Mar 27 Can't help but think this decision is premature with 8 games to go. Even if football doesn't resume until mid May there would still be a chance of completing it. Yes, it may mean that some players would not be available but most could still put out a team.
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