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Ipswich Town midfielder Charlotte Fleming is facing what the club say is a "significant spell on the sidelines" after suffering a serious knee injury.

Fleming ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during Sunday's Women's FA Cup second round tie against Hashtag United.

Ipswich - the leaders of Women's National League Southern Premier - won 4-1 on penalties after the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

"She has been a central member of our team following her move in the summer and will certainly be a big miss for us during the second half of the season," manager Joe Sheehan.

"For Charlotte, this injury is an especially tough one given she suffered a ruptured ACL in her other knee two years ago, but she has shown she can fight back from this before and I am sure she will do so again with the support of everyone at the club."

In a , Fleming said: "To hear the news that I have ruptured my ACL was something I never thought I would have to re-live and experience again."

She told her team-mates she would now become their number-one fan, adding: "You have given me the belief and confidence to be a better player and now it's my turn to give that back. I will be there every step of the way to see you all succeed."

Ipswich are targeting promotion to the Championship - the second tier of the women's game - this season after strengthening their squad over the summer.

The cup win over Hashtag avenged a 1-0 home defeat in the league by their title rivals on 20 October.

Victory earned them a home tie against AFC Bournemouth, from a level below, giving them a great chance of reaching round four when Women's Super League sides enter the competition.