BTexact Ipswich vs Ben Rhydding

Cup Round 4

Result 7-2

Ipswich Scorers; T.Barnard (3), K.Spencer(2), E.Kenny (1), L,Aldous(1)

Defending cup holders BTexact Ipswich took early control of the game when Lizzie Aldous scored off the rebound from a penalty corner. The Suffolk side played an attacking formation and it took excellent play from the Ben Rhydding keeper to keep the Northern team in the game. Jo Ellis and Tanya Barnard worked well together in the midfield and created many  opportunities in the ‘D’ for Sheldrake and Aldous. Emma Muir, playing in centre –mid, proved to be difficult to beat and confidently moved the ball around. The continuous pressure from Ipswich led to a number of short corners. Kirsten Spencer struck the ball past the diving keeper and Ipswich led 2-0. Another attack up the Ipswich right saw Barnard get her first, followed in quick succession by Barnard getting hold of the ball after a poor clearance to put the score at 4-0. Yet the Northern side maintained their discipline and showed that they were not to be underestimated as Docherty caught Ipswich on the break to give Ben Rhydding their first goal. Again Ipswich kept the ball in the oppositions half and found the keeper hard to beat. Another fast break from a saved short corner by Ben Rhydding down the right led to Ipswich conceding a second. Ipswich looked a little shocked at having allowed the ball to be moved so swiftly and accurately through their ranks but responded with another short corner goal from Spencer. Finally the game was sealed when youngster Ella Kenny scored her debut goal with a superb deflection into the corner leaving the keeper stranded.

Ipswich played a controlled passing game and coach Sandie Lister will be happy to go into the break knowing that in the next round Ipswich travel to Midlands League team, Worcester.

 Women’s Printwize East Premier League

Sat 7th December 2002

Cambridge City v Ipswich 2nd's

Result: 2-2

Scorer's: S Sheldrake, N Keely

Ipswich did not get the 3 points they wanted in this match but a draw was a fair result, as both teams played some excellent hockey.  Ipswich will be the happier side this morning though as they enter the Christmas break unbeaten and joint top of the Printwize East Premier League.  This feat is even more pleasing considering the major changes the team has had to make to personnel this season.

Both teams started the match at a high tempo, the bitterly cold weather encouraging all players to keep moving as much as possible. Cambridge drew first blood, scoring from a short corner that had been slipped out to the right hand side. Ipswich however responded with a new passion and when some good build up play released Sophie Sheldrake in the D, the young striker had no hesitation in shooting for goal, her well struck shot left the City keeper with no chance and Ipswich drew level. The game was still being played at a very fast pace and both sides spurned chances to take the lead. As half time approached City won another short corner and even though Ipswich felt the ball had been played in the air illegally, City bundled the ball over the line to make it 2-1.

Ipswich however showed why they topped the league and within 2 minutes were again level. Another short corner saw player coach Sarah Juggins pick out and unmarked Nicky Keely on the far post, who only had to touch the ball into the goal to score her first Premier League goal and make it 2-2.

The 2^nd half produced no goals mainly due to the fact that by now both teams had worked out how to nullify the other. Ipswich however did have a few chances, the best probably falling to Lucy Philp, who will feel she should have done better than a tame shot straight at the pads, when one on one with the keeper.  City too could have snatched the win, after a series of short corners were awarded at the end of time but Ipswich stood firm and the spoils were shared.

 Women’s Printwize East Premier League

Sat 7th December 2002

Pelicans v Ipswich 3rd's

Result: 3-0

Scorer's: E baker, N Miller (2)

Ipswich IIIs went into this game determined to come away with three points and lift themselves clear of the bottom reaches of the table. The first half was frustrating for the home team. While great defensive work from Jenny Kelly, Amy Kemp, Tory Hughes and Amanda Gee prevented Pelicans from making any real impact and provided the midfield with numerous attacking opportunities, the attacks tended to break down around the 25 and Ipswich were unable to make their efforts count. 

In the second half the forwards pushed up higher to give the midfield more space. This tactic paid off allowing Louise Fletcher & Vickey Dixon to dominate the centre of the pitch while Jenny Kelly and Nicky Miller combined well with Lindsey to set off several threatening attacks down the right. Vickey Dixon’s skilful drives into the D won numerous penalty corners but despite coming frustratingly close to scoring, Ipswich were unable to convert these into goals.

The breakthrough eventually came when a long ball up the left from Tory Hughes was met by Fiona Shaw who sent a short push to Vicky Dixon. Vicky’s perfectly weighted pass straight from the 25 up into the D was nudged through the keepers feet by Emma Baker.

Finally rewarded for their hard work, Ipswich stepped up the pressure and were rewarded when Nicky Miller met a pass through to the penalty spot and swept it passed the keeper. The final goal came, at last, from a penalty corner, hit home once again by Nicky Miller.

Man of the Match- Jenny Kelly

 No Game

 Printwize East League Premier A

Sat 7th December

Crostyx v Ipswich

Result: Won 3-2

Ipswich staged a remarkable comeback in the Printwize east premier ‘A’ division on Saturday to claim the biggest upset of the season so far. Crostyx are currently sitting pretty at the top of the table and went into this match with a 100% record and were attempting to equal the record of ten straight wins set by Ipswich in 1999. 

Crostyx showed their Suffolk visitors exactly why they are favourites to win the championship this season with a first half display full of fast flowing hockey. Ipswich struggled to get to grips with the pace of the game and conceded the first goal after five minutes from a short corner strike by Peter Ware. The Essex side were two goals to the good shortly afterwards when Russ Pirie was on hand to convert another well worked short corner routine.

Ipswich started the second half with more conviction and the midfield pairing of Chris Palmer and Paul Calver disrupted and hassled the Crostyx playmakers. Ipswich showed just how dangerous they are on the counter attack and regularly tested the home sides defensive unit. The breakthrough came in the 44th minute courtesy of leading goalscorer Richard Stainthorpe who was on hand to steer home a short corner strike after the ball had been switched to James Smith.

Sensing that Crostyx were beginning to get agitated, Ipswich continued to press higher up the pitch. A rare defensive lapse by sweeper James Belsham allowed Richard Fox time and space at the top of the ‘D’ with only the keeper to beat. The Ipswich captain rounded Neil Lofthouse but was then cynically fouled before being able to shoot. Man of the match Chris Palmer calmly dispatched the penalty stroke to make it all square.

With still fifteen minutes left in the game, Crostyx threw caution to the wind in search of victory. However, the Ipswich defence of James Walker, Asif Rais, Matthew Stainthorpe and Andy Swindin soaked up the pressure and keeper Stuart Hendy was rarely troubled. 

Another devastating counter attack, this time started by Matthew Stainthorpe, lead to his brother Richard winning a short corner. James Walker stepped up to score his fourth league goal of the season with a perfect direct strike for the victory that will send shock waves through the division.

Printwize East League SE Division 4

Sat 7th December 2002

Ipswich 4th's v Brentwood 3rd's

Result: Won 2-0

A WINNING streak starts as the 4’s pull off a worthy 2-0 victory over the, err, opposition. You’ll have to forgive me but I have absolutely no idea who we were playing – I’ll call them the Others. When Nicolas “Two Saves” Bignell sheepishly came out onto the pitch he whimpered, “That was so hot it was even erotic,” and once again, things were not looking good. Thankfully the writing on the wall was somewhat misspelt. 

It was a hard fought match that could have gone either way in the first half. The fours got their noses in front when some fine passing on the left side through Breezie, Ali “Air Shot in Granny’s Hat” Livingstone, and Joshua “toys are out of the pram again” Leych ended with Greedy “Lisa” Griffiths getting on the end of a fine cross to guide the ball in at the far post. Shame that he ruined it with a cartwheel.

This signalled the start of an extended spell of pressure from the Others. Waves of lightning breaks were handled on the right by Heavy Night (oh yes it was) Bromley and more controlled pressure down the left saw Chopper and Dave “No Hat” Dawes generously giving the Others a fine exhibition of tackle and release through the solid and surprisingly well behaved Alex “No Sebbie so I’ll pass the Others the ball” Fletton. 

During this phase of the game was when Two Saves chose to show off his horizontal Charleston steps (as practiced against Thurrock earlier in the season) and pulled off what I can only (and grudgingly) call a fantastic save when he kept sight of a hard, well place, rising shot having already committed himself to the astro and casually shinned it past the far post. Quite remarkable.

So the Umpires blew for half time and Ipswich headed to the goal with a well deserved 1-0 lead. Now I’m sure that somebody said something but don’t ask me what - I was trying to remember if I had left the oven on. 

Anyway, the match continued with the home side ever gaining the upper hand. In open play there was some fine passing through the midfield dynamo of Ball Magnet accompanied by the now wheezing Aussie Jim. The 4’s could have gained a goal or two had Air Shot not chosen to show off his pre-industrial revolution scything technique. Allegedly it was due to his footwear but note Air Shot - ‘tis a bad workman that blames his tools. The Others did mount several testing attacks but lacked the killer instinct and all were competently dealt with by the back five.

Then the Dommie Wobble kicked in. Wobbler beat the first player, beat the second, beat the first again, beat the first once more for good measure, beat the third, beat the second again, beat the umpire before looking up to find a pass - only to see the rest of the team in a huddle on the half way line discussing hedged insurance bonds in highly geared, vertically integrated, Eastern European petrochemical conglomerates which, we decided, were too high a risk due to the uncertainty of the region’s macroeconomic stability caused by the rapid expansion of hydrocarbon exploitation in the Caspian Sea, wibble - and with no pass on he stroked the ball home. Silky. 

2-0 and Ipswich hit cruise control. Another clean sheet and another excellent all round team performance. Aussie Jim was handed the fabled black shirt on account of this being his only chance of being man of the match. Ever. 

The Ipswich derby next week is sure to bring the best out of this side as it climbs away from the relegation places. If this form continues then they are looking good to justify a break from their harsh diet and spartan fitness regime and be allowed all the Christmas turkey that Bernard Matthews can provide.

Footnote

Ladies, are you single? Don’t be lonely this Christmas – your number could be here and you might gain the unrivalled attentions of the 4’s bachelors. For more details send your contact details and a swimsuit/lingerie photograph (of yourself) to; The Gutter Press c/o info@ipwishhockeyclub.co.uk 

Printwize East League SE Division 9

Sat 7th December 2002

Ipswich 6th's v Brentwood 7th's

Result: Drew 2-2

Ipswich were slow to start, conceding two goals to Brentwood in the first ten minutes. The sixes then found their composure and were able to apply pressure on Brentwood. This was rewarded with a penalty flick, which Andy Bristow slotted into the bottom corner of the goal. A second Ipswich goal quickly followed and it was 2-2 at half time. Despite losing their centre forward to umpiring duties, the sixes continued to put good pressure on Brentwood, but were unable to get the goal they needed. Brentwood were perhaps unlucky not to score in the last ten minutes, with Mark Whetton clearing from the goal line. Many thanks are due to Pete Sago and Andy Bristow for umpiring a half each. In summary, 2-2 was a fair result. 

Sat 7th December 2002

Waveney Vet's v Ipswich Vet's

Result: Won 2-0

An after noon visit to Lowestoft was replaced by an early 
evening visit to Harleston to play a Waveney side which is always very competitive 
when at full strength, and it is always nice to see a couple of ex Ipswich players, 
Trevor Crane and Phil Sampson; Trevor however, called off earlier in the day so 
there was minimal whinging during the game. It was an interesting midfield battle 
from the start with Robin Sampson playing against his brothers, and indeed Phil 
certainly was not holding back with his tackles. As always Waveney enjoyed 
considerable possession without really creating any clearcut scoring chances, and it 
was against the run of play when Ipswich went ahead. A well rehearsed short 
corner routine went a bit wrong but a slip back to injector Hauxwell allowed him a 
simple slip past the keeper.

The second half continued much as the first with Waveney enjoying considerable 
possession, but with Langton outstanding at the back and Johnny Gordon having 
perhaps his best game this season, keeper Steward was rarely called upon. 
Unfortunately the injury jinx of the season appeared once again, with Goddard and 
Tripp both struggling, but young Ben Glading was able to help out once again 
performing admirable down the left wing. As the dying minutes arrived Ipswich 
were content to keep out Waveney but a break out resulted in Sampson having an 
excellent opening, his mishit shot however, found Glading Senior with a simple 
reverse stick tap in. Indeed he should have scored again with seconds to go when 
a wayward clearance was intercepted but the keeper tipped a weak shot round the 
post.