Ipswich welcomed Bishops Stortford to TR for a middle of the table clash. High stakes for both teams to secure a win.

Ipswich set the tone early with a blistering start. Ipswich had a lucky escape with back to back epic saves from GK Emma Kwan (which continued through the match). Ipswich won the early goal after just five minutes, Taylor Ball opened the scoring off, from a second phase save from Emma Rix strike. Five minutes later, POTM, Sophie Sexton converted the first of her three goals from a well-executed short corner routine, giving Ipswich a strong foothold. They continued to dominate the early phases, and at 21 minutes Sexton added her second—again from a clinical short corner variation that left the Stortford defence scrambling. Barely two minutes later, Lizzy Wheelhouse extended the lead to 4–0, from an awesome reaction from a far post shot off Georgia Harrold, capitalising on sustained pressure and quick ball movement.

Despite the scoreline, Stortford were far from out of the contest. They found a lifeline at the 30-minute mark, the first of what would become four goals gifted through Ipswich individual errors. These lapses opened the door for Stortford to regain confidence and build momentum. Their pressure told again on 39 minutes and 44 minutes, both times punishing uncharacteristic mistakes from the Ipswich back line. Suddenly the game had shifted from comfortable control to a tight, tense battle.

Ipswich responded positively after the break. In the 48th minute, Sexton completed her hat-trick—her third strike from a short corner, reflecting Ipswich’s precision in set-piece situations throughout the match. But Stortford continued to capitalise on Ipswich’s inconsistencies. They drew level with two goals in quick succession at 62 and 64 minutes: the first coming from Stortford’s only cleanly executed short corner and the second coming from yet another unfortunate Ipswich error, which they level the game to 5–5…

With the game on a knife-edge, both sides pushed for a winner. It was Ipswich who found the decisive moment. In the 66th minute, Taylor Ball gets her second home goal after clever interplay to restore the lead and ultimately secure all three points.

This exhilarating contest showcased the best and worst of both teams—Ipswich’s razor-sharp short corner unit and attacking flair, contrasted with defensive mishaps that kept Stortford within striking distance. Stortford’s persistence and ability to punish mistakes made for a gripping finale, but Ipswich’s attacking quality proved just enough on the day.

In a pulsating encounter that delivered eleven goals and relentless momentum swings, Ipswich edged Stortford 6–5 in what was unquestionably a spectacular advert for attacking hockey. It was the kind of match neutrals dream of—high energy, high stakes and drama right up to the final whistle.

Due to other results on Saturday, Ipswich now sit 5th in the table. The top of a very tight middle table battle. Can they extend their points and goal difference next weekend as they face Dereham.