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Saturday
6th February 2010
EHL
Women's Conference East
Ipswich
v Sevenoaks
Result
; Won 3-1
Scorer:
J Bloom (2), M McWhirter
A tight and exciting 3-1 win over 2nd
placed Sevenoaks on Saturday saw Ipswich move 4 points clear at the top of
the East Conference.
A brace for Jess Bloom, her
first goals since October and a fifth goal of the season for Millie
McWhirter sealed the victory but the points were only secured in the last 5
minutes of a tight game.
Ipswich started in a positive frame of
mind but some basic skill errors and poor decision making saw the visitors
create the best early chances. Luckily ex-Ipswich striker Cathy Gillat-Smith
was not able to convert and Ipswich were able to work their way into the
game. Some good play in the midfield by Vanessa Roberts and Issy Sheldrake
saw Ipswich create a few half chances, the best falling to co-captain Emma
Millar but her first time shot was saved by the goalkeeper. With half time
approaching Ipswich began to dominate play but the teams entered the break
locked at 0-0.
Some thought provoking words from
coach James Kingstone saw Ipswich start the second half with a determined
attitude and on the 42 minute Jess Bloom scored a superb solo goal. A great
run down the left saw her beat several Sevenoaks players and then she calmly
slotted the ball past the keeper. Ipswich knew their opponents would fight
back and sure enough 7 minutes later the home sides defence was breached . A
deflection on the post leaving Mariette Rix in goal with no chance. Ipswich
seemed shell shocked and Sevenoaks began to turn up the pressure, winning
several short corners but Rix was more than a match for the shots and the
home side rode out the pressure.
A good break saw Millar again with the
best chance to get her side ahead but after a good pass from Anni Broster
she rushed her shot and the keeper once more made the save. On the 63rd
minute a move down the right was started by a great ball at the back from
Amy Tippen and this time it was 18 year old Millie McWhirter than found
herself one on one with the keeper. Showing amazing calmness she lifted the
ball over the advancing keeper and into the empty net to give Ipswich the
lead once more. Buoyed by the goal Ipswich were tearing the visitors apart
and 1 minute later Jess Bloom sealed the win with another great finish. The
final score line rather flattered Ipswich but there was no doubt that
despite not playing great hockey at times that they were the better team.
With other title challengers Chelmsford losing and Harleston being held to a
draw this win was vital for the Suffolk team and with only 7 games remaining
it gives them a massive boost.
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