Slazenger EHL

Premier Division

Ipswich  v Slough

Lost 3-1

Scorers: M Fabregas

EH Cup

4th Round

Sunderland v Ipswich 

Won 3-1

Scorers: B Baker, L Aldous, V Sandall

Ipswich finished their pre Christmas fixtures in the Slazenger EHL Premier League with a good display but no points against League leaders Slough, losing 3-1 after creating the majority of chances. However Sunday saw the spirit in this club and side shine through as they travelled without 6 regulars players to take on Div1  leaders Sunderland in the 4th round of the English Cup. A 3-1 victory was well deserved after a great all round performance from all and Ipswich are now through to the Quarter finals for the 3rd year in a  row, where they will face Slough away on the 24th February for a place in the Semi-Finals.

Slough arrived at Tuddenham Road as league leaders but Ipswich were determined to take the game to them despite missing 4 regular players and started the match brightly, with Lizzy Aldous almost carving out an excellent opportunity in the opening seconds but her final pass just eluded the Birthday Girl Leisa King who had made an excellent run into the circle.

Slough instantly responded and only some excellent defending by Mille Sharp and Captain Becky Baker kept them at bay. However on the 13th minute the visitors broke through, a Jane Smith strike powering in the goal despite a good attempt by keeper Claire Gould to keep it out. Ipswich upped the tempo and gained a run of short corners but could not find a away through the Slough defence, they also suffered  injuries to Miriam Fabregas and Lizzy Aldous that saw the squad briefly down to 11 players. On the 21st minute Purdy Miller extended the Berkshire sides lead after a quick counter attack. Despite the setback Ipswich dug in deep and  with Spanish player Miriam Fabregas  back on the pitch  she created a superb opportunity. Her neat stick skills saw her free in the circle and she laid the ball on for Emma Millar, but Millar took the wrong option of passing when she should have shot and the opportunity slipped by.

Half time saw Ipswich re-group and they could sense that a goal early on in the second half would see them right back in the game.  Sure enough on the 51st minute Fabregas scored her 5th league goal with a superb strike from a short corner. The play was all about Ipswich now with Slough looking rattled but despite another run of corners Ipswich could not find the vital breakthrough.  With time running out Ipswich changed formation and pushed forward but were caught out on the break and Smith fired her second of the game on the 62nd minute to re-establish her teams 2 goal lead. Ipswich battled to the end but had to reflect on opportunities that went begging. With Canterbury losing 3-0 to Olton Ipswich managed to move up into 5th place on goal difference, probably a fair reflection on their inconsistent performances. The league now takes a break for Indoor hockey until February when Ipswich will be looking to maintain their upwards momentum.

Straight after the Slough game Ipswich then made the long trip to Sunderland for a 4th round cup game, missing 6 key players, Jenny Hall, Kirsten Spencer, Leisa King, Emma lee-Smith, Lucy Gallagher and Miriam Fabregas .  Coming into the squad as replacements were 2nd team players Annie Nunn, Kat Wrinch and Belgian Annie Broster.  With Sunderland flying high at the top of division 1 this had all the makings of a classic Cup tie but Ipswich were determined to take the win and underline the gulf in standards between the divisions.

The game started with the home side taking the early initiative as this new look Ipswich side adjusted to unfamiliar faces. Sunderland gained several short corners but they were all dealt with easily by the Ipswich goalkeeper Charlotte Lee-Smith and after 10 minutes Ipswich began to settle into their game.   Vic Sandall dominated any exchanges in the midfield area and with Lizzy Aldous and Jess Bloom stretching the home sides defence it looked only a matter of time before Ipswich scored. Sure enough on the 17th minute Aldous obliged with a cracking goal. A perfect pass from Sandall saw Aldous through one on one with the keeper and she unleashed a fierce shot from the top of the circle that had hit the backboard before the home sides keeper had even moved;- 1-0 to Ipswich.  Sunderland looked shell shocked after their good start had amounted to nothing and just before half time Captain Becky Baker rubbed salt into their wounds.  Her superb drag flick from a short corner found the top corner of the goal to make it 2-0 just before the half time whistle.

The second half saw Ipswich dominate all over the pitch and coach Royce Waters must have been extremely pleased with the display of 2nd team players Annie, Nunn, Annie Broster and Kat Wrinch in particular as they stepped up to the standard with ease.

6 minutes after the re-start Ipswich found their 3rd goal, player of the match Vic Sandall drifting into the left hand side of the circle  and unleashing a superb shot into the bottom corner.

Ipswich could have extended their lead further but with time running out the visitors were happy to keep possession as the home team became more and more frustrated. Sunderland did get a consolation goal from a short corner with 7 minutes to go but it far too little too late to stop Ipswich marching into the Quarter finals of the Cup for the 3rd year in a row.

A great performance from a depleted Ipswich side and it proves that the club has some great talent in the 2nd team and that the playing standard between the Premier league and top of Div 1 is still considerable.

Ipswich now play Slough away on the 24th February for a place in the semi-finals.

 NE14HOCKEY East League

Div 2C

Cambridge Uni 2's v Ipswich 2's

Result: Drew 1-1

Scorers: 

Suffolk Premier League

Ipswich v 

Won 4-1

Scorers:

Suffolk Div 1

Slazenger EHL

South Division

Ipswich  v Whitchurch

Won 3-2

Scorers: I Smith, K Dixon

Goalkeeper Ned Martin produced a stunning 68^th minute penalty save to become the Ipswich hero, securing a vital 3-2 win over Cardiff based Whitchurch HC at Tuddenham Road on Sunday. The Australian guessed the right way, and deflected the effort from Wales international Jamie Westerman around his right post, delighting the home supporters.

Before the game, coach Ian Gall told his team that, despite their opponents being below them in the league, the match would be hard fought and could go down to the wire. With that in mind, Ipswich needed a good start, and got it in the first minute through Captain Ivan Smith, whose shot found the corner after good play down the left from Phil Messent. Whitchurch soon found their way back into the match, when Laith El Khatib drag flicked a ferocious penalty corner which gave Ned Martin little chance of saving. Ipswich’s own penalty corner star, Keir Dixon, was given his chance to shine just a few minutes later, but Chris Gierak produced an incredible save with his stick just as the ball seemed to be sailing into the top corner. In the 25^th minute, disaster struck. A breakdown in communication between centre backs Asif Rais and Mark Wheelhouse created space for Joe Naughalty on the left, who fired into the circle with pin-point accuracy for Mark Whatling who casually deflected into the goal.

The Ipswich players came off the field at half time looking immensely disappointed with themselves, but coach Gall found the words of inspiration and guidance that his players needed to hear and the team started the second half believing that the game was far from over. Ipswich won three penalty corners, but the Whitchurch defence was proving to be a tough nut to crack, and brilliantly defended the flicked efforts from Dixon . Eventually, Ipswich found their equaliser, with Dixon finally getting the better of the Whitchurch keeper to find the bottom right corner. In the 57^th minute, Richard Rutterford, who had caused problems for the Whitchurch defence all game, had an excellent chance with just the keeper to beat, but dragged his shot just wide of the target. Eventually though, Ipswich scored what proved to be the decisive goal. In the 65^th minute, left midfielder Rich Stainthorpe intercepted a loose pass from a Whitchurch defender, before a string of passes found Will Hearne left of goal. Instead of crossing, Hearne caught everyone by surprise with a fierce shot that hit the post from a tight angle, only for Keir Dixon to force the ball over the line for a 3-2 lead. It was no more than the team deserved. Despite there being only five minutes left of the match, there was still time for more drama. In the 68^th minute, Mark Wheelhouse, who along with Rais, Matt Stainthorpe and Dixon had been terrific in defence throughout this match, lost control of the ball, giving Whitchurch striker Mark Whatling a clear run on goal. Ned Martin raced out of his goal, but his tackle took both man and ball, and resulted in a penalty stroke. However, his stunning save guaranteed all three points for Ipswich , and moves the team onto an impressive 18 points at the Christmas break.

Coach Ian Gall said: “I am really pleased to have 18 points in the bag at this point. I asked my team for 15 points by Christmas when I first took over, and we have gone beyond that. We now have to change our expectations and work towards competing with the top four teams in this league, which is something I firmly believe we are capable of if we continue to develop as we are doing.”

NE14HOCKEY East League

Prem A

Ipswich 2'sv Bluehearts

Result: Lost 4-2

Scorers: Miller, Cook

In the cage Ipswich came up against a very good Bluehearts side and nothing can be taken away from their performance it was the hardest game Ipswich had faced this year. Early signs suggested this as Bluehearts raced into a 2-0 lead and Ipswich were all at sea in the first 30 mins of this game with Bluehearts movement destroying the home side.

But Ipswich needed character and it is the one thing this men's 2s side have in abundance, Cook fired in a low cross which captain Reed took ghosting into the box like his fellow red head Paul Scholes would do and won a flick. After a nervy flick from Miller last week, this one was put away with real confidence.

After addressing a few points at half time, Ipswich came out strongly and some good build up play saw cook fire home into the bottom corner from a tight angle.

Ipswich were then handed a body blow by the umpire allowing a foul to go un-noticed for Bluehearts to score again. It was a costly mistake from the umpire and to his credit realised it and apologised. A further one was added by Bluehearts and on the balance of play probably deserved their win if not for man of the match Tony Burch in rich vain of form at present pulling off some good saves it could have been more.

Ipswich still lie mid table and with 2 games before Christmas the 2s will be looking to gain 6 points from to move them towards the top.

NE14HOCKEY East League

Div 2 N

Norwich City v Ipswich

Result: Won 6-1

Scorers: P Graves (2), S Gibson  (3), T Lever


Last weekend saw the 3rd team looking to bounce back from the disappointing 3-2 defeat to league leaders St Ives with an away trip to Norwich City 2's. Again it was another week of selection dilemmas' for captain Gibson (who happened to be celebrating his 32nd birthday by driving the mini bus to Norwich!!) mainly caused by the continuation of pulled and strained muscles from the over 40's in the 2's, but also down to U16 England trials for some of the star youth players. These unavailabilites saw the underrated (or was that overrated!!) Holloway, promoted to the 2's, allegedly for his clinical finishing in front of goal and Nick Fry retain his place, although this time as super sub rather than in the starting 11 (more on this later). The 3's also welcomed promising youngsters Owen Cook and Alan Fisher. 

The match preparations started well with Ipswich managing to injure goal keeper Ben Glading during the warm up and then continued to go well when conceding in the first 10 minutes of the game. Shortly after this the vintage skill of Fry was introduced at the back, promoting Robin Swindin to midfield. These changes vaguely coincided with Ipswich scoring their equaliser when a quickly taken free hit on the left found Graves in acres of space on the right. Driving into the D the whole team were yelling pass it, pass it, but as per usual Graves continued on. Fully expecting him to be tackled the whole team were in shock when he crashed the ball into the bottom left corner! Ipswich then stamped their authority on the game with good possession and distribution around the pitch most of the time which lead to captain Gibson scoring a neat chip for a 2-1 lead at half time. The build up to this goal was quite incredible as it saw Graves pass the ball in the D, rather than trying a shot. Looking back on it there is still some debate as to whether or not it was actually a pass or just a poor first touch Other highlights
of the first half were a failed aerial from Fry which later produced a relatively unanimous vote for DOD!

The second half can not be described as vintage passing hockey, or even as remotely good, but it did see Ipswich score four more goals! Strangely after a good (very loose term) first half from Graves, this continued into the second period and saw a well worked goal from a move down the left, with Graves beating several Norwich defenders and slotting the ball into the net from a tight angle. On a count back it can be revealed that Graves took the opportunity NOT to pass the ball at least 6 times, normal service resumed!! 3-1. Unsurprisingly this produced allot of "whooping" from Graves as he ran around the back of the goal celebrating. After he had calmed down the game re started, but seemed to be getting scrappy with Ipswich losing their shape and giving the ball away at frequent intervals. This allowed Norwich to get back into the match and produced many counter attacks and short corners that
the defence calmly dealt with. 

As Norwich got more desperate they became increasingly physical, none of which was spotted by the perhaps, I am not sure, can I suggest; short sighted official?! Ipswich produced sporadic bursts of good hockey throughout the rest of the match which tended to lead to goals. The 4th came from captain Gibson who allowed a ball played in from the left to run across his body before unleashing a powerful shot into the bottom right corner. This goal is particularly note worthy as it involved no less than 10 fewer touches than usual from Mr Gibson. Boutelle unleashed an excellent aerial which bounced kindly in the build up to the 5th goal skinning the defender and allowing Ipswich to play in Gibson who exchanged a 1,2 with the generous Norwich goal keeper, who only parried the first shot allowing a simple tap in. It should be noted that the aerial was being demonstrated to show Nick Fry how things are supposed to be done! The 6th and final goal came from the prolific surprise goal scorer of the season Toby Lever after a good square pass from debutant Alan Fisher. 

Highlights of a scrappy second half can be summed up on the back of a postage stamp although it should be noted that the Author managed to play reasonably ok for the first time this season and Grave was awarded Man of the Match!! Ipswich will look forward to the home game against Bedford next week with renewed determination to keep up the pressure on league leaders St Ives, who have a difficult game against a resurgent 3rd place Sudbury in NE14Hockey Division 2 North. 

NE14HOCKEY East League 

Div 4NE 

Ipswich 4's v Watton

Result: Won 3-0 

Scorers: Godbold, Reed, Scarff

Your intrepid fourth XI correspondent is filing a late report due to traffic delays on the M3 late on Sunday on the way back from supporting the veterans. Unfortunately the club have not yet provided quality ICT links that enable at pitch match report submissions. More about the veterans later .....

On Saturday the 4th XI met extra early at the insistence of captain Godbold. His initial intention was to allow extra time for various players to collect up their toys which were discarded in fits of pique following last weeks draw with Cranes.

However the time was used to drag the pitch with a clay court sweeper to try to remove some of the frost that had formed overnight. As it turned out captain Godbold had chosen wisely in promoting a couple of heavy weights in to the team for their fourth XI seasonal debuts in Sneddon and Godbold (senior). With their lack of mobility and added weight turning on the slippery pitch turned out to be significantly easier for them than for their more lightfooted team mates.

It was also encouraging to see Cook and Fisher being given a run out in the third XI since both youngsters deserved a chance and the fourth XI stalwarts were also intrigued that the 3rd XI have proved themselves incapable of incorporating Holloway's dynamic style into their line-up and as a consequence have promoted him to the 2nd XI - a position he so richly deserves.

Anyway the game started and Watton belied their lowly league position by proving dynamic in defence and attack and the first half was a remarkably even affair with perhaps two Ipswich highlights, firstly Swain's somewhat unrealistic expectation that Godbold (senior) was capable of running and secondly a wonderful one handed reverse stick tackle by Sneddon as Watton burst through the middle.

At half time the score was nil nil. Ipswich stepped up a gear in the second half and soon took the lead through a rare hockey event - an own goal. Godbold (senior) claimed the goal but was over-ruled by all other 11 players in the squad being particularly adamant that it was an own goal by the keeper. Soon after that Reed and Scarff increased the lead.

But this should not be taken to mean it was an easy game for Ipswich. Watton hit the post, the bar and had a drag flick (yes even in division 4NE) deflected by Kwan over his bar. Whetton was magnificent and played like a man half his age but still twice the age of Underwood (Ben). Williams up-ended the centre forward when he was through on goal which was missed by umpire Glading who had his eyes on the ball - which rather indicates how late the tackle might have been.

However the highlight of the last five minutes must have been the ''''debate'''' between Godbold senior and Godbold junior on the merits of retaining possession when three nil up with three minutes to go. As a consequence of them focussing on talking to each other in raised tones the ball was lost and Watton almost scored.

Your correspondent has spent the last 48 hours trying to work out which hockey playing brothers these two best resemble and has concluded that the Smith brothers might be the most similar - neither can run much, both enjoy the physical side of the game, neither has ever known when to bite their tongue and as for shooting ...... which engendered another though ... can any modern Ipswich hockey playing brothers shoot?

Swindin - a definite no, Walker - well I recall a national league penalty stroke so that's a no, Messent - lots of dribbling maybe but not really dynamic in the D, Wrinch - ha ha (see below) - Smith well maybe Ivan can but Adam's shooting incompetence more than balances out Ivan's ability.

So the well umpired game, yes even Wrinch (James) despite his odd interpretation of the foot rule, finished 3-0 to Ipswich and captain Godbold has started another winning run.

After the game Godbold announced the good news that Gibson has agreed to another 3s versus 4s match over the Christmas break. Chairman Wrinch has already announced his unavailability despite not knowing the date.

This reporter had a conundrum for Sunday, watch the vets in Southampton or the 1st XI against former club Whitchurch at home. The former was more appealing as one day your reported might play vets whereas there is no hope of another first XI appearance! Anyway three things are worthy of comment in the vets game. Firstly the outstanding performance of Steward in goal ....... to quote the Trojan's chairman "If the goalkeepers had been switched it would probably have been 3-0 the other way". But more astonishing than his keeping was his captaincy. With Steed injured in the first two minutes playing right back right in front of the substitutes bench Steward did something that not many Ipswich Hockey Club members would have contemplated - that being bringing Wrinch (senior) on and switching the whole team around so that Wrinch could play left wing. Not only did he contemplate it but he did it and astoundingly Wrinch promptly scored a goal ..... which in his own words was comparable to Dirk Kuyt's against Newcastle "it hit my stick and went in before I even saw it". First time he'd scored in more than 20 years allegedly (how old is Kat?).

So now we know it is not the case that Wrinch's (select one from any of the four) are incompetent at scoring goals. It is just that for the last 35 years they have consistently been played out of position at the back.

Penultimate comment in this 'match' report resolves around commenting of the fact that not only do the mens fourth XI have the best playing record in the club but that they are now dominating the fantasy league.

Finally, the Club Chairman has announced a new end of season award which will kindly be donated, although he doesnt know it yet, by veteran member Mr William Izzard, the news editor of one of the country's finest newspapers. Current favourite is rumoured to be Mr R. Swindin with his mens third XI masterpieces .... although some argue his obsession with Paul Graves and where he puts his feet is somewhat worrying.

Anyway next week the 4th XI take on high flying UEA 2nd XI and if Mr Swain could ensure his fiancée brings her swimming costume to the match ...............

NE14HOCKEY East League

Div 6NE

IES 3's v Ipswich 5's

Result: Won 2-1

Scorers: A Mays, A Barker

The fives maintained their 100% away record with a comfortable victory over IES, although yet again the scoreline failed to do justice to the chances that were created.

A new strategy was tried this week, which involved Ipswich spending the first 10 minutes in their own half lulling the opposition into a false sense of security. It worked a treat and Howard Walker, having recovered from his Egyptian escapades, athletically cleared the ball off the line and pinged it out to debutant Ollie Fox to start Ipswich's first attack of the game which led to Mays slotting home after some silky passing (almost making up for his hat trick of stalls in between the petrol station and the astro). Minutes later the newly grey-haired George Payne at right back set up another move which ripped open the sluggish IES defence for Barker to tap in. At this point Ipswich were dominant and decided to contest who could over-elaborate the short corner routine the most for the rest of the half, including one where Fox flicked the ball up beautifully for Le Vay to slot home with a left-footed volley. Unfortunately the goal was disallowed and IES scrambled the ball up the field and somehow managed to score past an otherwise solid defence.

The second half was goaless with neither side really threatening the other's keeper, although it was generally controlled by the omnipresent Ben Hills in midfield, leading to another good win but doing little for our measly goal difference.

EH

Vintage Cup

Round 2

Trojans  v Ipswich

Result: Won 3-0

Scorers: Irwin, Wrinch, Glading

The over 50s, made the long trip to Southampton to take on Trojans a team they had played a couple of years ago at home and club that former chairman Russell Williams has close family links with indeed it was much appreciated that he was able to support the team. Ipswich welcomed youngster Irwin into the team now that he has qualified and Girling returned to the fray and missing out last year, Hauxwell however, was out injured but hoping to return for the next round.

Ipswich were dealt a body blow in the first 2 minutes as Steed pulled up injured just in front of the subs bench, there is no truth in the rumour that Wrinch was responsible to get himself on the pitch earlier than expected; anyway more of him shortly. Trojans perhaps had the better of the early exchanges but in the 7th minute Ipswich gained a short corner, Wake's initial shot was saved but Irwin was on hand to fire home. 4 minutes later, (and history in the making here!) an unexpected defensive mistake allowed Glading to drive into the circle, his intial shot was saved, a further effort was charged down and then ............ Wrinch was on the far post to slot home from close range, as far as he could recall building on his last goalscoring feat of 25 years ago.

Trojans felt they did not deserve to be in this position and started to dominate midfield and create a number of chances particularly from short corners but Steward in goal made a series of amazing saves to preserve his clean sheet. Remarkably as half time approached the home team was dealt a body blow that seemed to deflate them; after enjoying a period of sustained pressure a short corner broke down Gray picked up a loose ball spotted Glading lurking unmarked at the other end of the pitch, he launched a pass that eluded all defenders , Glading picked up the ball, moved into the circle and slashed the ball into the goal passed a dumbstruck keeper.

Trojans rearranged their attack and decided that perhaps they should mark Glading more closely, who always looked dangerous, and they continued to create chances to bring themselves back into the game. A combination of more brilliant saves, poor finishing and a resolute defense ensured that Trojans were kept at bay, and as time ticked by Ipswich realised that victory was theirs. A couple of half chances arrived for Ipswich but as they were awarded only their second short corner of the game the final whistle went and Ipswich celebrated a hard fought victory and look forward to the draw for the next round.