Slazenger EHL

Premier Division

Poynton v Ipswich 

Drew 3-3

Scorers: B Baker (2), M Fabregas

Ipswich showed their team spirit on Saturday in the Slazenger EHL Premier League as a depleted squad fought back from 3-0 down to claim a well deserved draw against Poynton. In fact Ipswich had thought they had done enough to secure the win, captain Becky Baker converting her second penalty stroke with the scores at 3 all was heartbroken to see it disallowed for a supposed infringement.

Ipswich travelled to Manchester with a squad of only 13 players and were missing 3 key players. Jenny Hall (broken thumb), Emma Lee-Smith (Army) and Leisa King (Work commitments).  The team also included a change of goalkeeper with 2nd team Captain captain and Goal Keeper Claire Gould making her first ever start in a National League game.

Determined to bounce back from last Sunday's defeat Ipswich started the game well but the hosts had soon taken an early lead, Cath Linaker scoring on the 7th minute. Frustrated by the early setback Ipswich lost their shape and 9 minutes later Poynton extended their lead to 2-0 and then to make matters worse for the visitors on the 21st minutes the hosts had bagged their 3rd goal of the game through Jane Ambler. A time out for an injury to a Poynton player gave Ipswich a brief respite and an inspirational talk from player of the match Vic Sandall kicked started Ipswich into action.

Also having a positive impact on the game was the positional changes by coach Royce Waters. Lucy Gallagher came on and did a fantastic marking job in defence and within 3 minutes Ipswich were back in the game. A short corner routine saw Emma Millar fouled as she attempted to play the ball and Captain Baker stepped up to convert the resulting penalty stroke on the 24th minute. 

B Baker about to convert the Penalty Stroke

With the attack being led by a powerful display from Lizzy Aldous Ipswich gained several short corners but Poynton defended them well and Ipswich could not add to their total.

Half time arrived with Ipswich still 2 goals down but they could sense the momentum had swung in their favour and they started the second half with only one thing in mind; goals.  Within 3 minutes of the re-start Ipswich had what they wanted. Miriam Fabregas firing an unstoppable shot past the keeper to make it 3-2 and seeing her register her 4th goal of the season.  The play was now all about Ipswich and with Vic Sandall having her best game of the season in the middle of the pitch they were able to dominate the game. 

On the 47th minute Ipswich completed a remarkable come back. A great run down the right by Jess Bloom saw the ball collected by Millar and her pass found an unmarked Baker who coolly flicked the ball over the diving home teams keeper to score her second of the game and more importantly to make the score 3-3.  

Poynton looked shell shocked at having lost a 3-0 lead and Ipswich pushed for the winner. Minutes later the opportunity for a remarkable win arose. A short corner shot was stopped illegally on the line by a Poynton leg and Ipswich were awarded their second stroke of the game. Baker stepped up again for her hat-trick and coolly slotted the ball home to wild celebrations from the Ipswich team. However their joy was short lived as one of the umpires felt it was an illegal drag technique and the goal was disallowed.  despite the disappointment Ipswich sensed more chances would come their way and with the defence and Gould in goal dealing with any sporadic threats from Poynton Ipswich surged forward. 

A good move down the left saw the ball find Jess Bloom on the right hand post. Doing everything right in her preparation Bloom looked to have scored the winner but her shot flew into the side netting and the hosts escaped again.

With time running out it was to be Ipswich last real chance and as the whistle sounded the Suffolk side had to reflect on the fact that despite a great comeback their poor start had cost them 2 points.

This weekend is the last outdoor action until February and sees Ipswich in action on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday they welcome league leaders Slough and on Sunday they travel to Sunderland for a place in the Quarter Finals of the Cup.

 NE14HOCKEY East League

Div 2C

Ipswich 2's v Welywn Garden City

Result: Won 2-1

Scorers: R Anderson-Hurt, V Dixon

Suffolk Premier League

Ipswich v Carlton Park

Lost 4-0

Scorers:

Suffolk Div 1

Slazenger EHL

South Division

Ipswich  v Cambridge University

Lost 4-2

Scorers: W Hearne

Slazenger EHL

South Division

Bromley & Beckenham v Ipswich 

Lost 3-1

Scorers: K Dixon

A mixed weekend for Ipswich men’s 1^st team saw both the wonderful and the woeful. On Saturday, the side recorded a brilliant victory over local rivals University of Cambridge, producing a performance of maturity and intelligence that greatly impressed Coach Iain Gall. However, Ipswich slipped back into bad habits with a below-par display in their 3-1 away defeat at Bromley & Beckenham. It was the second time this season that Ipswich have been beaten by the South East Londoners, giving them half of their total number of points for this season. “That is very irritating, but one consolation is that we are still ahead of them in the league” said vice Captain Mark Wrinch. “We know that we are the better side, but they have out-performed us on both occasions this season and absolutely deserved the victories.”

Saturday’s wonderful result against University of Cambridge came about as a result of hard work, total commitment to the cause and sticking to the plan set out by the coach in the build up to the game. The match started frenetically, with the students looking like a completely different outfit that Ipswich defeated in the league just two months ago, clearly boosted by a number of recent good results. There was nothing between the two sides for the first fifteen minutes, but the game swung dramatically in the direction of Cambridge when Matt Stainthorpe was sin-binned for deliberately stopping the ball with the back of his stick. Ipswich were pressed back by the students, but a stunning defensive effort by the entire team kept them at bay before Stainthorpe’s return ten minutes later.

At half time Ipswich took on board all suggestions from Coach Gall, and applied them from the re-start by pressing Cambridge back into their own half. Although Cambridge struggled to get the ball forward, they defended superbly until finally the pressure told in the 59^th minute. Ben Gallagher and Phil Messent combined well down the right to carve open the Cambridge defence, before Richard Stainthorpe nudged the ball on to Will Hearne at the top of the circle who guided his reverse stick shot into the bottom corner. The deadlock broken, Cambridge could no longer play for a single point and had to press forward, which in turn created more space and opportunities for Ipswich. Ivan Smith and Ben Gallagher both went close, whilst at the other end Ipswich goalkeeper Ned Martin never looked likely to concede. With just 30 seconds to go, the classic combination of Ivan Smith, Richard Rutterford and Richard Stainthorpe combined to undo the Cambridge defence, but Stainthorpe’s vicious shot was brilliantly saved by the University goalkeeper. It was the last action of the game. Ipswich had achieved the league double over their East rivals and kept their first clean sheet of the season. 

Bromley & Beckenham have always been something of a thorn in the side of Ipswich HC, and Sundays’ encounter proved to be no different. Ipswich should have been buzzing from the moment the warm up began, but instead came crashing down to earth with a distinctly average performance. Keir Dixon came into the squad in place of the injured Olly Woodgate, and was unquestionably a star performer in the match, along with 16 year old Micky Franklin who has England trials this week. 

After a poor warm up, Ipswich started the match well, with Dixon, Messent and Richard Stainthorpe combining to create good opportunities down the right. However, Bromley & Beckenham looked dangerous moving forward, and won a penalty corner in the seventh minute, which was put away by Beau Couldrey. Ipswich were not down-hearted by conceding the goal, and were soon on level terms thanks to a trademark Keir Dixon penalty corner drag flick in the 19^th minute. It was a fair reflection of the game, and neither side could find the back of the net to secure a vital half time lead in what was slowly turning into an extremely physical encounter.

Ipswich had a chance to take the lead at the start of the second half, when Ivan Smith’s through ball found Richard Stainthorpe just outside the circle, who beat his man but not the goalkeeper. Seven minutes into the half, Dan Holmes moved Bromley & Beckenham into a 2-1 lead, punishing an unusual error from defender Mark Wheelhouse. His attempted aerial pass was intercepted by an opposition midfielder who released Holmes down the left and finished clinically. The goal was a massive blow to Ipswich, who lost their both their structure and discipline. Dave Evans made matters worse for the visitors, when he deflected into the net from a tight angle to give his side a two goal lead with 20 minutes to go. Despite working hard all over the field, Ipswich never looked likely to get back into the game, and began to become frustrated with themselves, the umpires and the antics of the Bromley & Beckenham players and abusive crowd. With ten minutes to go, Captain Ivan Smith received a yellow card after letting his frustrations get the better of him, and never returned to the pitch. Bromley and Beckenham ran out deserved winners, much to the irritation of an Ipswich team than could have done so much better.

NE14HOCKEY East League

Prem A

Broxbourne v Ipswich 2's

Result: Drew 3-3

Scorers: H Martin J Smith, S Miller

Captain Reed will be delighted with this point, with a depleted side due to 5 players out and only 10 players on friday night, nothing can be taken away from this incredible performance. 

This was a hard game for Ed youngman making his debut for the 2s to come into and the young Josh Godfrey who certainly caught the eye. This was a game of 2 very good sides going forward and not a lot to offer defensively, without man of the match Tony Burch Broxbourne could have had a hat full with most of that to blame on captain Reed being the worst player on the pitch by a country mile but taking one for the team and playing well out of position. Swindin usually a solid performer was not at his best and Reed was partnered by player of the season so far Jim walker again not playing in his preferred performance.

Burch pulled off some incredible saves but with Broxbourne racing in to a 2-0 lead after just 7 minutes the young side felt the worse to come. Ipswich pulled a goal back from the man playing his testimonial before stepping into retirement Jim Smith (Keano,spoiler,terminator) from a deadly short corner strike.

Things got worse for Ipswich when they went 3-1 down but goals from Martin and Miller from the Penalty spot (just crossing the line) put the game at 3-3 at half time.

In the second half Ipswich had to be strong as Broxbourne showed there rough and fiery style of play, provoking spectator Graham Underwood to be spoken to and warned by the umpire as tempers flared.
Ipswich will lose Smith for next week, but welcome back Calver, Dixon and Cook, but Palmer is still sidelined with injury and Ipswich will need to show similar character against Bluehearts after there 7-1 win this week.

NE14HOCKEY East League

Div 2 N

Ipswich v St Ives

Result: Lost 3-2

Scorers: S Gibson, O Holloway

The intrepid 3rd XI looked to build upon a successful run of wins this weekend with a top of the table clash against league leaders St Ives. The build up to the game was not the smoothest with captain Gibson having to contend with some selection headaches as players were called up to bolster the 2's who were suffering from many injuries (not surprising with a squad that nearly comprises half of the over 40's!).

Never the less the strength in depth within the hockey club ensured players who were called up were more than able to hack the pace and intensity of the game (even Fry & Holloway!) These issues when combined with the unavailability of Paul "the dribble, oops I stood in dog doo" Graves, left the team feeling confident that they could get a result and come away smelling of roses!

The game was close throughout with St Ives playing some good hockey with Ipswich matching them blow for blow. After the first 15 minutes Ipswich started to gain the upper hand with possession and opportunities to create scoring chances. This culminated in a tidy move down the left when the pace of Storm opened up the St Ives defence which led to some neat passing around the base line with Captain Gibson popping up to slot the ball home from an excellent Gallagher pass. 1-0 Ipswich! St Ives
then came back strongly and had some sustained pressure with Ipswich conceding several short corners. Another attack down the Ipswich right lead to a free hit for St Ives from outside the circle, a firmly smashed ball into the "D" found an unmarked St Ives player and it was 1-1. Ipswich are still unsure which monkey was not marking, so in the interests of fairness we will blame Holloway.

The second half saw Ipswich come out with increased purpose and determination and quickly saw them score from a typically indirect short corner. A slip right at the top of the D saw a weak shot from Holloway somehow end up in the goal having deceived the St Ives keeper with its amazing pace! (the writing was clearly on the wall at this point....... it was just that none of us realised that the shooting could actually get any worse!!). 2-1 Ipswich  St Ives again came back strong and earnt a series of short corners in quick succession and levelled again for 2-2. Ipswich did not let this get them down and continued playing some good passing hockey. A good ball down the line to Gibson saw the captain beat 2 St Ives players and square the ball to the waiting Holloway.........................................................

At this point I feel that we should pause and reflect on several points:
1. Who is the leading goal scorer in the club? That's right................. a certain Mr Holloway
2. Who is primarily responsible for ruining the fantasy league and causing a 2 tier system? Again Mr Holloway for being a very prolific goal scorer
3. Who has been waiting to seal their place in the 3rd team by delivering reliable goal scoring? Yes, you guessed it Mr Holloway.

So back to the story........................................... The St Ives keeper committed to the sliding dive early and as time slowed down for all the spectators and players alike, it appeared that this could be the winning goal......... with a simple slap lift into the gaping chasm that was the st Ives goal. But no, instead a toe end slap 14 feet wide of the goal saw St Ives escape producing an audible gasp
around the general area from the disbelieving spectators.

Ipswich continued to battle but into the last 10 minutes of the game St Ives earnt a series of short corners. The defining moment of the game came when Ipswich should have been awarded a 16 yard hit after the St Ives striker lashed his first strike into the top right corner. Instead the official at the opposing end ruled that Ipswich had encroached by half an inch over the half way line and after discussing with the other official ruled that the short corner should be taken again (after the
game it was established that Toby Lever's chest wig was at fault as it had broken the line due to a lack of maintenance. DOD was duly awarded) The 11 umpires on the Ipswich team felt that this was wrong and after obtaining a copy of the rules are convinced that this is a travesty as St Ives had already had their advantage in the form of a shot at goal. Needless to say St Ives scored from the re taken short and left Ipswich chasing the game with 10 minutes to go. Sadly it was not meant to be leaving Ipswich second in the NE14HOCKEY Div 2N table. 

NE14HOCKEY East League 

Div 4NE 

Cranes v Ipswich 4's

Result: Drew 4-4 

Scorers: Fisher, Sebborn, Reed, Scarff

Captain Godbold had spent all week celebrating his 25th consecutive league victory since taking over as captain. During that period the goals for against tally stood at 170 for and 18 against.

Cranes turned up to the game on Saturday hoping to break the winning streak but probably not expecting to do so. Ipswich were at virtually full strength with the exception being Holloway who was being given another chance in the 3rd XI.

Anyway when the game started Ipswich soon took the lead with Fisher slotting a chance home. But it soon became clear that this was not going to be all one-way traffic. The Cranes team adjusted better to the pitch and to the free-flowing game the umpires allowed.

Ipswich lost the ball near their 25 and Bristow beat two before passing it sideways to his left wing taking Kwan out the game and it was all level again. Cranes continued to find easy balls out of the back as Ipswich stood off their men and let them retain the ball.

Then Sebborn displayed a piece of magic and put Ipswich 2-1 up just before half time.

It was clear at half time, in normal cliche terms, that the next goal would be likely to be crucial and Cranes scored it. However Ipswich then took the lead again through Reed within a minute.

Whilst Ipswich continued to have most of the possession and territory Cranes continued to apply pressure - principally via Bloomfied and Bristow causing problems through the middle of the pitch.

The the pressure told twice in quick succession and with two defensive mistakes contributing to the goals Cranes took the lead 4-3.

Ipswich then played the last 15 minutes with renewed urgency but with Hicks and the rather slim looking Bunce (according to the man himself) defending deep Ipswich lacked their normal creativity.

Eventually however Ipswich won a few short corners and Reed took one right then hit the ball across the keeper where the ever reliable Gary Scarff knocked in yet another vital goal to tie the game at 4-4.

The last few minutes had some action at either end and the match ended with a sequence of Ipswich short corners which didn't really come to anything.

When the final whistle went Cranes celebrated as if they had won their cup final and Ipswich trudged off philosophically. But in fairness to both teams the draw was probably a reasonable reflection of the game.

So the epic run comes to an end after over 18 months but the 4th XI still lead Division 4NE and remain unbeaten.

It is worth mentioning the role of honour of players who have played most of the games in both seasons: Marcus Kwan; Paul Whetton; Owen Cook; Russell Williams; Robert Sebborn; Gary Scarff; Ian Glassford; Alan Fisher; and of course captain Matthew Godbold. Innumerable others contributed in one season or another.

Next week Watton at home and hopefully the start of another winning sequence. Where is Watton by the way.

Apologies for the comparatively sensible match report but not an easy game to make attempts at witty comment .... they will hopefully return next week

NE14HOCKEY East League

Div 6NE

NE14HOCKEY East League

Veterans

Bury St Edmunds v Ipswich

Result: Won 10-0

Foster (3), Glading (3), Cutting (2), Curzon Fletton

Ipswich completed their best result of the season and repeated the scoreline of last years fixture, Bury were resolute throughout but too often lost possession too easily allowing the ruthless Ipswich attack plenty of scoring opportunities.

The speedy Foster knocked in a couple of early goals before Fletton converted an 'exocet' from the top of the circle, Glading then converted a quick fire hat trick being in the right place to convert Wheaton's pass and then a pair from Foster to give 6 - 0 half time lead. The second half was not one way traffic with Steward in goal being called upon several times and the lively Hendy firing narrowly wide. Ipswich resorted to a less successful long ball game allowing the excellent Blake to pick off a number of promising attacks but even he was powerless to prevent Curzon ghosting up from midfield to add his name to the scoresheet, and then remarkably Cutting managed to avoid the goal posts to convert twice before Foster completed his hat trick.

Next week Ipswich entertain Bedford before the over 50s travel to Trojans in a cup match on Sunday.