Bishop's Stortford 1 Ipswich 2

NE14 Hockey East League

Veterans

Bishop's Stortford 1 Ipswich 2

Bishops Stortford are probably the most improved team this season in the East Vets league and so Ipswich were expecting a tough encounter, but were fortunate to draft in Swindin to replace the free scoring Wrinch.

The day did not start well for Ipswich when Girling was unable to travel at the last minute with a mystery affliction.

Ipswich started the game well, creating a number of clear-cut chances, Foster in particular had several scoring opportunities that were scrambled clear.

Ipswich took the lead when the ball bounced around the circle and eventually fell to Peter Sampson who finished clinically.

More chances came and went without success but it certainly was not one-way traffic, and Steward in goal was as usual called upon to pull out several brilliant saves to preserve the visitors advantage.

The second half arrived with several tactical changes and the home team bringing on some fresh legs.

This seemed to give Stortford the advantage and they were looking the more likely to score, but in a superb example of a quick counter attack Foster outpaced the defence to cross for Glading to steer home.

Stortford soon bounced back, scoring from an excellent short corner routine when Ringrose, who was otherwise impeccable throughout, failed to cover his post.

This could have proved the turning point for the home team, but once again Ipswich hit Stortford with two goals in quick succession, Glading converting a well worked short corner and then Crowe steering home from another Foster run and cross.

Indeed Ipswich could have further increased the lead as the lively Curzon was denied by two excellent saves from the keeper.

The final minutes proved tricky as Stortford pulled a goal back, but the defensive line up of Langton and Gaffer held firm, and when Steward pulled off yet another classic save, Ipswich realised they had secured the points.

Next week Ipswich entertain Harleston, in a top of the table clash that could prove decisive in the chase for the title.