Goals rained down again in the Men’s 1s and the Men’s 2s and a depleted Ladies 1s completed a highly impressive comeback south of the river in London - well done to all involved. The ladies 2s came up shortly sadly in their top 3 clash against Dereham and the Ladies 5s faced a tough opposition at Harleston but came away with their heads held high and continue to set the benchmark for the club spirit. No games for the ladies and men’s 3s and 4s but we do get to report on the Felixstowe HC / Ipswich HC U16s who took and took down Sudbury 6-1. We also report on the other end of the scale where a depleted Gentlemen’s O40s went down away to Pelicans; it’s worth a read, especially the descriptions of Pidge and Dyksey. Full credit to the O40s and all who played – they’ll be back, god willing, next year!

Saturday also saw the Men’s 1s create a 7 point gap at the top of Premier A in the hunt for National League status – the report summarises a well fought win but thanks must go to the crowd who turned out on Saturday; you certainly played your part in inspiring us to victory.
The coming weekend suddenly sees availability challenged with half-term; if you’re 50:50, your club needs you!

Girls U16 W6-1

A superb performance from the Felixstowe HC / Ipswich HC U16 Ladies against a strong Sudbury resulted in a fantastic 6-1 win. Isla debuted in goal and made some crucial saves at stages throughout the game, but it was a dominant on-field performance that led to victory. Strong link up play between Tabi Hayter, Nina Shelley, Emma Logan, Anna Gillingwater and Emily Walker stretched the space well and led to lots of D-entry. Flo Davies, Phoebe Shipp and Immy Hawtin provided great outlet runs, and the marauding Jess Steward and Hannah provided additional depth when needed. Player of the match was Captain Emma Logan.

An excellent team performance with a deserved scoreline.

Gentlemen’s Over 40s L 1-6

Ipswich Over 40s travelled with a depleted but buoyant squad to Kings Lynn for a tough game against Pelicans.

Ipswich knew it would be hard, and they weren’t wrong. Pelicans had a bit more strength and a little bit more legs in midfield and that was apparent with wave after wave of attack in the first 10-15 mins. In which Jez made a number of excellent saves, as did Dave Cooper, Felix and Ed Downie to keep the score 0-0. Felix even had a knock on his hand with one defensive manoeuvre to go with the knock on his head from the week before. Finally Pelis got a goal from their attacks, followed a few mins later by another. Little Jez could do to prevent either. 2-0.

This woke Ipswich up a little and after a couple of decent attacks they got a short corner. Ball to Foxy, to Chris Palmer, to Ant to Simon (new lad), strike for goal, keeper had no chance. 2-1. Well deserved.

Ipswich had a couple more efforts but it finished 3-1 at half time after Pelis got another well worked corner just before the break.

Halftime talk was “we’re still in this game”, and truth be told that was true with Dykesy running himself ragged, and despite the aging legs of the others, despite the missing speed and agility in midfield of Southgate, Pete Bale, captain JC, even Jim Walker and the ever youthful Storm.
Where were these guys? Sadly injured or just unfortunately not available.

Try as they did Ipswich were up against it for the most of the second half, with the most comical moment being Pidge receiving a well struck ball right between the butt cheeks. With buttocks made of steel he carried in like the little soldier he is.

Pelicans scored a further 3 goals that half, one from a short corner, and two from open play, mostly well worked. Ipswich had a few more short corners but there was no Wardy or Windy to bag a hattrick and so the game finished 6-1 to Pelicans.

Ipswich on the other hand deserved the goal they got, and all players deserved a massive pat on the back for maximum effort exerted and for travelling to the back of beyond. A different day, and with a full Ipswich squad this would’ve been a different result. Well done all, roll on next year…

Men’s 1s W5-2

Ipswich welcomed 2nd placed Chelmsford to Tuddenham Road looking to increase their 4 pt lead and more importantly to overturn their only defeat of the season. Chelmsford started the brighter and after 5 mins scored with a well worked deflected PC. They continued to move the ball well and had the better of the first quarter. However Ipswich are not top without reason and they slowly began to impose themselves on the game, with the back 4 now transferring the ball round the back and flanks with accuracy and composure.

Pressure was starting to be applied and with excellent movement and work rate in midfield the forwards we’re starting to get a lot more ball in key areas. Ipswich got their equaliser on 25 mins with a powerful Big Mit corner straight through the Chelmsford’s keepers legs. Ipswich we’re now controlling the game and the Chelmsford forwards and midfield were really having to work very hard to keep Ipswich from moving the ball into their 25. The message at half time was to keep moving the ball fast and accurately and let Ipswich’s superior fitness take its toll. Ipswich started on fire and after some good work from Waggers in the circle who fed Oscar who calmly slotted home (great celebration as well ).

Momentum was now growing by the minute and only one team was going to win from here and after great work from Josh Rollett down the left where he waltzed into the circle to hit home from close range. Ipswich were now moving the ball around the pitch at will and created numerous half chances. From another powerful PC from big mits Belly hit the rebound on to a defender’s body and big mitts calmly slotted the resulting flick. 4-1 to Ipswich and they still went looking for more goals and man of the match Josh Rollett worked his way into the D pulled the ball back to the grateful Chrystal to make it 5-1. In the dying seconds Chelmsford scored a cheap goal to make it 5-2.

A really impressive performance from Ipswich whose greater fitness and ball pace were a pleasure to watch. With 7 games still remaining everyone is fully aware more hard work is required.

Men’s 2s W3-1

The Men’s 2s returned to winning ways with a 4-0 victory against bottom placed Norwich Dragons.

After a nervy start, Ipswich started to play themselves into the game. A couple of blistering runs by Ben Smart signalled intent, and with Wrinch marshalling the centre midfield, chances kept flowing with Greg and Ben both going close.
In the 20th minute, guest star Battman opened the scoring with a lovely deflected short corner. Ipswich then had to manage for 2 minutes at 10 men as the red mist descended & JC received a green card.

Still threatening every time he got the ball, Ben added a second shortly before halftime with a strong run and flick finish.
Into the second half, chances kept coming with the central defensive duo of JC and Henry barely troubled. Cian and Ollie PS dominated dragons down the right hand side whilst Trembath rightly received MOTM nominations for his performance at last back.
Midway through the half, Greg opened his account with a close range finish to malt 3-0.
Freshly off the bench, Felix then conceded a penalty flick & harsh yellow card for an alleged push. Strangely spending longer off the pitch for a yellow than he played - there’s value for money at £6.

In the closing minutes, Greg completed the scoring after a lovely turn past the keeper after good work by Ben.

This weekend sees a key top of the table clash against Dragons 1’s.

Ladies 1s D2-2

Fighting back from the first 45 seconds!

Last Saturday saw the Ladies 1s travel back down into London to take on London Wayfarers. After taking the 3 points at home, Wayfarer’s were hungry to bring it to Ipswich.
The first 45 seconds saw Ipswich conceding a harsh short corner which was converted into a lucky goal. With Ipswich still recovering from the surprise of the early goal, Wayfarers add another onto the scoreboard!

Ipswich knew they need to step up now before the game started to run away from them. Eloise Ward got Ipswich on the board before the first quarter was over, the setup initiated by Captain Lucy Dunnett and the experienced Lizzy Wheelhouse.

The second quarter, Ipswich continue to step their game up even further. Strong transfers around the back from Ellie Scott, Kat Blake and POTM, Emma Williamson and great feeds to the forward line from Jess Logan and Frankie Konrath, more opportunities started to be created.

Before the half time whistle, Ipswich bagged themselves a short corner. They huddled in, a decision was called by Kat and they setup. Out to the top to Taylor Ball who dragged it across her body for a reverse strike which hit the backboard. Ipswich equalised.

Ipswich kept that forward momentum going into the second half, starting to pick more of Wayfarers’ attempted crash balls through the middle of the pitch. Special mention to Tilly Edwards, who made her National League debut, for her immense role in denying those balls through.

With Wayfarers and Ipswich having more opportunities to secure a win for their respective sides, neither were able to convert the chances made. Ipswich were able maintain their composure throughout the final quarter with great game management and sensible decisions, both on and off the ball.

To walk away with 1 point after being 2 goals down within the first 8 minutes, Ipswich held their heads high! Next weekend Ipswich host top of the league, Southgate. Can they bring Southgate’s 12 match win strike to a halt?

Ladies 2s L1-2

Ladies 5s L1-4

The ladies lost 4-1 but the score flattered Harleston and they were very unlucky not to score more goals. The one we did score was an assist from Emily and popped in by Chantelle-yay!! Well done all, it was an exhilarating game and much of Foxy’s training tips were in evidence!!

Stats Glorious Stats

I sometimes wonder who looks at this section, is it A-level mathematics students, vainglorious strikers or gnarled full backs. Who knows, but here you go:

Men’s scorers: Weller, Wardy and Windy are on 12 and 13 goals but Chrystal and Wiid take a lead with 17 and 18 respectively. Note all Wiid’s have come in Premier A and from corners which is an impressive return for Big Mits!

Craig Wiid 18
Will Chrystal 17
Windy 13
Fred Weller 12
Wardy 12
Gregg Bott 8
Foxy 7
Pete Glading 7
Sam Lynne 6

Ladies scorers: Min is chasing hard, but can anyone stop Chloe Williams who is now on 21; goals galore!

Chloe Williams 21
Min Patel 13
Emily Calver 9
Eloise Ward 9
Caitlyn Wright 7
Mariette Rix 6
Beth Scott 6

Form Guide

L1 L W W L L W L L W L W D
L2 W W W W W D W D W W L W W W W D L
L3 W W D W W W W L D W W W W W W
L4 L L L L W W W W D W L D L
L5 W L W L L L L L W L W D D L L
M1 L W W W W W D W W W W W W W W
M2 W W W W L W W W W W L W D L L W
M3 W L L W W W D L W W W W D L L
M4 D W L W W W D W W W W D W D W L

Overall

Played 134
Won 80
Drawn 18
Lost 36

Team Av GF Av GA Win Ratio

L1 1.9 2.00 42%
L2 3.5 0.82 71%
L3 3.8 1.00 80%
L4 1.6 2.50 36%
L5 1.7 4.20 27%
M1 4.7 0.93 87%
M2 3.6 1.12 71%
M3 2.7 2.60 53%
M4 2.6 0.87 67%

I would like to be able to add tables but haven’t quite cracked it with Pitchero! Go well this week everyone.