|
EHA
Cup
Semi-Final
Bowdon
Hightown v Ipswich
Lost
3-2 (GG)
It's hard not to be disappointed
when losing out in a National semi-final but Ipswich can be very proud of
the way they played in this season finale game.
Starting with a real
purpose and desire Ipswich looked the better side, but it was not long
before Bowdon started creating chances of their own. Ipswich goal keeper 21
year old Charlotte Lee-Smith was in top form though and kept the Cup holders
at bay. Despite the good defending by Ipswich, Bowdon opened the
scoring on the 23rd minute, Tina Cullen converting from a Penalty
corner. While Bowdon sensed a chance to extend their lead Ipswich held firm
and some great play by Emma Lee-Smith and player of the season, Jo Ellis,
they began to open up the holders defensive line. Ipswich were unlucky not
to draw level, when Vic Sandall's superb reverse stick effort was saved by
the keeper and fell invitingly for Lucy Unwin, unfortunately her volley flew
over the bar. The Suffolk team finally gained their reward when Ellis
converted a Penalty corner just before the half time hooter.
Vic
Sandall
With the scores
level at the restart both teams were keen to get a grip on the game and it
was Hightown that struck an early blow; Nicky O'Donnell scoring on the 41st
minute from another penalty corner. Cheered on by a large, mainly Bowdon
supporting crowd the holders poured forward looking to kill off the game but
Ipswich defended superbly. Millie Sharp made a spectacular diving clearance
off the line, while Lee-Smith in goal was having the game of her life.
Having weathered the storm Ipswich began to turn the tide and with time
running down it looked as if Lizzy Aldous had tied up the score but her shot
across goal flew millimeters wide and the score remained 2-1 to Bowdon. With
only minutes on the clock it looked as Ipswich's cup dream was over and with
holders Bowdon now playing for time things did not look good for the Suffolk
team. However proving their belief and determination Ipswich kept fighting
for every ball and with 20 seconds left on the clock Aldous once more picked
up the ball with the goal in her sights. Ironically her slight mis-hit wrong
footed the Bowdon keeper and the ball crept over the line to spark mass celebrations
in the Ipswich camp as the game moved into extra time golden goal.
Lizzy
Aldous
Ipswich started
golden goal brightly and forced an early short corner, as the routine broke
down the ball fell to defender Kirsten Spencer and for a split second her
full bloodied strike seemed to be heading for the bake of the net, only for
it to be deflected away form danger at the last second by a Bowdon stick.
Inspired by the let off, the holders pushed forward and only four superb
reflex saves by Lee-Smith denied them the goal they so craved. With legs
tiring the game was becoming stretched and Bowdon once more attacked in
numbers. This time Ipswich could not survive and Charlotte Hartley pounced
on a rebound to scramble the ball over the line and send the holders into
the Cup final.
Ipswich while obviously
disappointed were able to reflect on a good team performance
and can be proud of their display against the side that eventually went on
to lift the Cup with a 2-0 win over Slough.
|
