Saturday 17th October 2009

EHL Conference East

Cambridge City v Ipswich 

Result: Won 1-0

Scorers : V Roberts

Pundits say that to win a league title you need to keep winning even when the team does not play to its full potential and that is probably the way to look at Ipswich’s 1-0 win over Cambridge City on Saturday in the National Conference East.

The win saw Ipswich remain as league leaders and was the third game in a row when the side kept a clean sheet but it was the lack of clinical finishing, especially in the second half , that was the reason for the majority of the frustration.

Ipswich were aware that rock bottom City had nothing to lose in this game and the home side indeed probably started the brighter.  Their main threat was their Australian import but despite her tidy skills the hosts did not really threaten the Ipswich goal and it was the league leaders that created the first early chances.  Vanessa Roberts was having a good game for Ipswich in the middle of the pitch and her skill and vision were starting to cause all sorts of problems for the home team.

Despite starting to dominate the midfield area a near post chance from a short corner was probably Ipswich’s best opportunity of the first half but it was narrowly missed.

After a stern talking too at half time by coach James Kingstone Ipswich returned to the pitch with a new vigour and it became obvious that they were now in control of the outcome of this game.

Some great work by last weeks player of the match Jess Bloom down the left hand side, was creating several good opportunities but some poor final decision making in the circle, saw the home team keeper make several crucial saves.

Then on the 40^th minute Ipswich finally broke through and Vanessa Roberts scored her 4^th goal of the season from a short corner.

Ipswich now looked to turn the screw and they had a great chance to extend their lead but with an open goal begging the final touch could not be found.

For the last 20 minutes Ipswich camped in the City half and won several corners but the home keeper reacted well and made several; good saves to keep the scoreline finely balanced.

Despite the pressure Ipswich could not find a second goal and whilst happy with the 3 points the Suffolk side know that they need to step up their game to continue to meet their targets.

NE14hockey East League

Div1 North

IES v  Ipswich 

Result: Lost 1-0

Scorers: 

Ipswich travelled 'away' to Ipswich & East Suffolk on Saturday. Ipswich looked the dominant side from the start pressurising the IES 'D' within minutes but unable to concert their early chances. Unfortunately this continued for the rest of the first half with excellent skills from forwards Hannah Martin, Charlotte McWhirter and Kat McDonald generating lots of narrowly missed opportunities. Half-time score: 0-0

In the second half Ipswich defenders Fi Moran and Kate Watson were both injured, but Fran Tew had a good debut performance for the team and steadfast defending from Sam Bennett and Kat Wrinch make it difficult for IES to penetrate the Ipswich 'D'. Ipswich continued to look more dangerous in attack but IES were successful at breaking down and over-turning possession. IES scored from a break against the flow of play with about 15 minutes remaining. Ipswich mid-fielder Hannah Tallent tried to step up the pace of their game generating opportunities in attack into the final minutes but Ipswich were unable to equalise before the final whistle. Full-time score: 1-0 to IES. Ipswich remain top of East Div 1 North on goal difference with plenty to continue to work on as a team and will face 4th placed Lowestoft at Tuddenham Road next weekend.

 NE14HOCKEY East League

Div 2C

Result: 

Scorers:

Suffolk Premier League

Harwich v Ipswich

result: Won 5-1

Ipswich started this game brightly but conceded a short corner, from which Harwich scored.  We then equalised from a great strike from Micha and then went ahead shortly before the break with a goal from Lowrie.  The second half we scored another three goals all through open play from Lowrie, Jess B and Vanessa.  Harwich worked tirelessly throughout this match, and put our defence under pressure, but a good solid team performance meant that we secured the 3 points.   

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NE14HOCKEY East League

Prem B

NE14HOCKEY East League

Div 2N

NE14HOCKEY East League 

NE14HOCKEY East League

East Vets

Ipswich v Norwich Exiles

Won 6-0

Scorers:Foster 2, Curzon 2 Askins Tew

Ipswich entertained Norwich Exiles in what was a quite one sided affair and Steward in goal was rarely called into action and the result was rarely in doubt once foster had tapped in his pair early on. Exiles however, were a solid outfit and Ipswich found it hard to create clear cut chances and when they did they found the visitors keeper turning in a man of the match performance.

Wheaton was denied on a couple of occasions before suffering an injury mid way through the half, but with a deep bench Ipswich brought on Curzon. Askins was his usual lively self and he slammed home after a mazy run.

With several half time changes Ipswich found it difficult to re-create the flowing hockey of the first half and particularly missed the craft of Driver. Curzon added to the score with a far post tap in and Tew converted a penalty corner at the second attempt. Exiles keeper continued to make a string of exceptional saves the pick being from Fletton's effort, before Curzon completed the scoring sweeping home Driver's pass.

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