East Premier League

Sat 23rd October 2004

Ipswich 2's v Maidstone

Lost 1-0

Ipswich can count themselves hard done by not to get at least a point in a game that was a great advert for East Premier League hockey.

Unbeaten League leaders Maidstone arrived full of confidence but it was Ipswich that started the brighter forcing the visitors onto the defensive and the home side were unlucky not to take the lead as their first clear shot at goal clipped the GK and agonizingly just rolled wide.

Maidstone though adjusted to the fast pace of the game quickly and they were soon passing the ball around with pace and purpose.  The game allowed to flow by some excellent umpiring was becoming very open with both sides working extremely hard to break through.

Despite some skillful stick work by several Maidstone forwards Ipswich's defence unit of Karla Waddleton, Sam Bennet, Sarah Logan and Jenny Ellis held firm and with Goalkeeper Hannah Robinson also in good form it looked good for the home side.

The second half saw the game continue at a cracking pace and Ipswich again were denied by the smallest margin as a Maidstone defence scrambled the ball clear just centimeters from the line.

The visitors too though had their chances and only some great last ditch tackles by Sarah Logan and some reaction saves from Robinson saw the score remain goalless. With time ticking away Maidstone launched one last desperate attack and a pinpoint cross evaded the Ipswich defense for the first time in the match to leave the incoming forward a clear shot 6 yards out. They made no mistake and Ipswich were left shell socked as the visitors admitted they had had a lucky escape.

Despite the defeat Ipswich can take a lot from this game and know that if they can produce that form again next week they should be the ones taking all 3 points.

East League Div 2 Central 

Sat 16th October 2004

Ipswich 3's v Bury st Edmunds

Won 2-1 (V Dixon, S Whiting)

A fairly lacklustre performance throughout this match by both teams. Ipswich started brightly but the autumn drizzle set in and their enthusiasm sagged. The visitors established a base camp in their own half and did not have much cause to leave it. The first half was dominated by sluggish play mainly in the direction of the Bury goal, but Ipswich looked like they could take a handful of goals. However it took until late into the half for Ipswich to score their first, a well struck short corner from Vicky Dixon. Ipswich dominated the half and were the only team clearly out for a win. Their play was fitful and the quality team-play seen in recent weeks eluded them. 

Going into half time Bury ventured into the Ipswich half but were unable to penetrate the Ipswich defence who have performed so well this season. Into the second half Ipswich built on their lead with another goal, struck home by Sue Whiting, after a number of short corners in their favour. Bury tried to turn up the pressure but to no avail, as the Ipswich team persisted in confining them into their half. Occasional breakouts by the Bury forwards were effectively snuffed out, but by maximising the return from their opportunities were able to pull back a goal before the end of the match. Ipswich could have made double figures if they had managed to perform at the level of the previous weeks, however picked up the important three points. A few changes to the team may have disturbed the Ipswich consistency, but they must build on their strong defence and quality individuals to re-gel the team if their success is to continue. Ipswich were the better team on the day, but it is unlikely either team will be happy with their performance. 

Suffolk U17 League

Ipswich v Lowestoft

Sunday 24th October

Lost 7-2 (F Warden, S Collins))

Ipswich U17 Girls went down 7-2 to a strong Lowestoft team in the Suffolk U17 league. With stand-in keeper Jordane Challenger-Thompson playing her first match in goal the Lowestoft forwards gave her little chance.

The score however, did not reflect the match. The young Ipswich side played good hockey and took the game to Lowestoft through good movement and close passing, frequently getting into shooting positions, but the experienced Lowestoft defence never gave Ipswich any easy opportunities. Ipswich tried hard all through the match with good performances by all the team, in particular Jen Duffy, Danielle Kaye, Sinead Collins, Beth Scott, and Lucy Ramsden.

As the game went on Ipswich managed to put pressure onto the visitors defence forcing a number of short-corners which resulted in two well worked goals, from Frances Warden and Sinead Collins. So although Ipswich lost, they fought well right to the end and came out of it with a lot of credit.

Postponed

Sat 23rd October 2004

Ipswich Vets  v Broadland

Won 2-0 (Whetton, Hampton)

As always this game was a very close affair played in miserable weather but with tremendous spirit from both teams. With very few goal scoring chances created the visitors were probably feeling unlucky to fall behind when Whetton's powerful shot was deflected high into the net off a defenders foot. Sole umpire Fenwick was doing his best to keep on top, but it is not easy on ones own, indeed this was the 4th game of the season when the opposition were unable to provide an umpire.

Young umpire Ben Glading arrived to assist in the second half, his confidence grew as the game progressed. Ipswich were forced to make a change as Swindon replaced the injured Morley and his pace caused continuous problems for the Broadland defence. The visitors however, were determined to equalise but the Ipswich defence remained solid and well organised by keeper Steward; Broadland did get the ball home but the umpire spotted an earlier defence and then Glading was denied when picking his spot from close range as the umpire blew for a short corner. Hampton completed the scoring, accepting Glading's pass from a short corner and firing home, again with the help of a defenders foot.

No game next week and then a return to league action against Colchester.