Missed chances and poor clinical execution

Ipswich Ladies 1s met the strong side of Hampstead & Westminster L2s on a much more pleasant weather day for hockey.

Ipswich started with keeping their defense strong and getting some positive forward success into H&W half. However unable to gain the advantage of getting on the scoreboard and H&W worked the ball effortlessly up the pitch.

Corner after corner and some relentless effort from GK Ali Barham and her defense team. The first goal came and went, followed by another 2 in too quick succession despite Ipswich’s defensive work.

Ipswich really needed to lift their heads if they were going to find a way through the well-drilled Hampstead. Ipswich found some small glimpses of forward work. Player of the match and the always improving, Charlie Philips doing what was asked of her and not allowing older opposition to bully her off the ball. Ipswich did pick up on their pressing towards the end of the game with the forward line pressure forcing a few mistakes from Hampstead.

Unfortunately Ipswich could rarely break Hampstead’s defensive quarter and when it happened, Ipswich failed to make it work. Hampstead, using their 2v1s and quick counters were able to find more goals from Ipswich’s mistakes. 3 more goals passing the goal line and Ipswich left feeling stunned and speechless.

A very hard day at the office for Ipswich and an even harder pill to swallow at the look of the score line. Ipswich take time now to self reflect and also remember how young the team is: your weekly stat highlighting this, with the team’s average age of 22 and only 5 players are older than 22 and with 3 players being U16!!

Ipswich have another home game next Saturday, where they take on London Wayfarers at TR. Time to bring the coats down to watch. See you there!