Ipswich III 2 IES 2

Division Two Central

Ipswich III 2 Ipswich East Suffolk 2

Hot on the heels of their first two losses this year, Ipswich faced a tough home game against league leaders and long-time rivals Ipswich East Suffolk.

The game was pacey from the start with both teams having their chances but neither managing to convert in the first bursts of play. IES played a good passing game, with the Ipswich press doing nothing to contain opposition 16's or sideline passes which often saw IES cutting through

the midfield and threatening the goal.

In the early stages Ipswich were undoubtedly kept in the game by some sound defensive play, particularly by both keeper Kate Collins and sweeper Martine Butcher. A handful of short corners were awarded, with a number of anxious moments at each end keeping the game interesting. The deadlock was not broken however until IES scored on the stroke of half-time.

Wise half-time words from Vicky Dixon sent Ipswich back on to the pitch with something to play for. The home team were certainly holding their own but a lack of successful link-up play between the midfield and forwards made it difficult for the team to contribute anything goal-wise.

The second half began brightly with a renewed Ipswich side controlling the play completely, with the visitors very much on the back foot. Consistent pressure saw a number of attacks on the IES goal, one of which saw Claire Frith taken out in a moment of keeper madness. Connie Bedingfeild expertly converted the resulting penalty flick to level the scores.

The pressure continued however and persistent play soon saw Ipswich awarded a short corner. A strong ball from injector Nicky Keely saw Sarah Logan draw out the defence, before passing the ball to the right post, where it was neatly put away with a great strike from Anna Sheering.

Apparently this was all the encouragement IES needed to come back to full fighting form, which they did in style, throwing everything and everyone forward for the remaining five minutes of the game. With IES defenders pushing up into the Ipswich defensive 25, forwards were forced to drop back to pick up free players, making it increasingly difficult to make any progress up the pitch. With the flood of attacking players, Ipswich struggled to soak up the strain and clear the ball. The inevitable result was an IES goal seconds before the full time whistle, the result of five minutes intense pressure and an excellently worked short corner.