English National League Premier Division

Slough v BTexact Ipswich

Sat 15th March 2003

Result Lost: 3-2

Scorers: L King, A Kotze

BTExact took the lead in the 16th minute as Tanya Barnard slipped the ball across to Leisa King who calmly dummied the closing defenders and flicked the ball into the back of the net. Ipswich then continued to pressure Slough ’s defence and it looked as if Barnard had put them two ahead when she struck from the edge of the ‘D’ and the ball rocketed past the keeper. Yet the umpire had a different view and disallowed the goal stating the ball had been hit from outside the ‘D’. Slough seemed to draw strength from this good fortune and Jane Smith scored her first in the 44th minute. Slough then pressed in on the Ipswich defence and the tactic payed off as  Smith got her second from a short corner that lifted over Hannah Robinson’s diving arms. 

Smith’s hat trick was completed in the 55th minute, with a reverse stick shot across the face of the goal into the top corner of the net. Ipswich were by no means defeated and their persistence was rewarded when Anli Kotze scored from a well-worked short corner three minutes later. Ipswich will play the league leaders again on Sunday in a re-arranged match at Tuddenham Road and if they can convert more of their chances then they may well upset the form book.

Printwize East Premier League

Saturday 15^th March 2003

  Ipswich v Dereham

Result: Won 2-1

Scorers: S Sheldrake D Rawlinson

Ipswich grabbed a vital 3 points in the Printwize East Premier League at the expense of a hard working Dereham side that are still fighting off relegation worries.

The first half was a battle for midfield domination and possession of the ball and saw both teams creating a chance that they could not believe did not go in. First Dereham hit the inside of the left hand post from a short corner and then Ipswich thought they had scored but then saw the ball cleared off the line by a diving Dereham defender.

The 2nd half saw the Ipswich goal finally breached, a short corner shot initially well saved by Laura Peskett in Goal rebounded kindly to the waiting Dereham striker who made no mistake with he second well placed flick. Ipswich knew that they had to pick up the pace of the game and this they did, player of the Match Sarah Juggins dominated the midfield battle with ex-Ipswich first team player Marie James and with some good runs by Lucy Philp and Sophie Sheldrake up front Ipswich gained a succession of short corners.

  Deb Rawlinson got Ipswich back on level terms with a perfectly placed shot from a well worked corner.  Ipswich were now pilling forward looking for the win and another short corner this time saw Sheldrake lift the ball over the prone Dereham keeper to make it 2-1 to the home side. Dereham for some reason where not happy with the goal being given and fought on for a point but Ipswich held firm for the well deserved win.

With leaders Letchworth being held to a 0-0 draw and 2nd placed Sevenoaks playing them next week, Ipswich know that they have to win their remaining 3 games to keep the pressure on and get that top two finish.

Invitational Tournament

Sunday 16^th March 2003

 Ipswich 2's v Bedford 2's

Result: Won 5-0

Ipswich v De Montford Uni

Result: Won 2-0

Ipswich traveled to Bedford to take part in an invitational tournament full of high sprits after their win on sat.

They played Bedford 2nd's in their first game and the gap in league's was evident very early on. Ipswich dominated the match from the off and the final score line of 5-0 could have been a lot higher had Ipswich taken their chances.

The 2nd match saw Ipswich play De Montford University and the students were determined to give Ipswich a run for their money. Ipswich did not play to their best but were always in control of this match and despite some uncontrolled tackling by the students Ipswich kept their composure to emerge 2-0 victors, again if Ipswich had taken their chances the scoreline could easily have been double figures.

So Ipswich emerged as Champions and had a great day out in the Spring sunshine.

Printwize East league Premier A

Sat 15th March 2003

Ipswich 1st's v West Herts

Result: Lost 4-1

Scorers: J Smith

A makeshift Ipswich side travelled to West Herts and tasted defeat in the Printwize East Premier league on Saturday. Ipswich Captain Richard Fox was forced to make five changes to a side that also included debutantes John Read, James Wrinch and goalkeeper Mark Deakin. 

West Herts predictably had the best of the early exchanges with Ipswich struggling to keep their structure and Deakin was called upon several times to keep his side on level terms. A string of excellent saves from short corners and also a dubiously awarded penalty stroke in the first ten minutes was proof enough that the 17 year old warranted his call up. 

Ipswich settled towards the end of the first half and began to trouble the home sides defence. Surging runs from Midfielder Ivan Smith provided Ipswich with several opportunities to take the lead but despite coming close, they couldn't find the net. 

West Herts broke the deadlock in the last minute of the half following a slick counter attacking move which left Ipswich sweeper Wrinch exposed and Colin Mannell scored from close range. The ex-Ipswich & East Suffolk player is enjoying his second season at the Watford based side and has provided much needed stability in their midfield.

Two goals in five minutes from the home side virtually secure the points early in the second half. Slack marking from Ipswich allowed youngster Ed Welsh to sneak in on the far post following a long corner and Mannell claimed his second of the game in the next attack.

Despite the devastating blow, Ipswich to their credit continued to make a game of it and came close to scoring through Richard Stainthorpe and Fox. Ipswich enjoyed long periods of possession but were unable to find the killer touch in front of goal. 

Mannell claimed his hat-trick on the hour when Darren Bosher failed to clear from defence and left the West Herts playmaker with an easy finish. There was enough time left for Ipswich to gain a consolation goal and it came via James Smith who converted from the penalty spot after seeing Fox's ferocious strike stopped illegally by the defender on the line.

Although unavailability and injury prevented Ipswich from fielding their strongest side, the Henley Road outfit can take heart from another gutsy performance and the accomplishments of Read, Wrinch and Deakin.