Blueharts 2 Ipswich 2

NE14hockey East Men's League

Premier A

Blueharts 2 Ipswich 2

IPSWICH made the long trip to Blueharts, who were currently in mid table, a few places behind Ipswich. Ipswich were without Mark Stackpoole, Andy Cook and Keir Dixon through injury, and Josh Godfrey to the Saxon Tigers. There were debuts for Jack Hinshelwood and William Sheppard.

Ipswich went into this game on the back of two defeats and a poor display against Peterborough at home last week. Ipswich had a point to prove against a side that on their day are the best in the league. Ipswich in their change strip of white started the game the better of the two sides and missed three glorious opportunities. First after some good work from Richard Stainthorpe running past a defender and keeper, Ben Dykes put a shot wide of the goal as the ball came straight to him and it appeared harder to miss. Richard Stainthorpe was the next to miss a chance and then captain Geoff Reed, playing through an injury managed to show some incredible skill to beat four players in the D before putting a tame effort wide of the post.

Ipswich's dominance needed a goal, and sure enough a spell where Blueharts were on top they took the lead. Ipswich with a defence consisting of Will Sheppard, Max Underwood, Ben Underwood and Josh Fry played well throughout considering they are all under the age of 18 and were facing one of the best forwards in the league.

Ipswich were 1-0 down at half time, but were playing the better hockey. With Ed Driver and Mark Wrinch pulling the strings in midfield, Ipswich continued to dominate and some brilliant link up play between the two forwards Geoff Reed and Richard Stainthorpe playing a couple of one-twos round the defence saw Stainthorpe win a flick. Ed Driver stepped up confidently and put it to the low left side of the goal.

The only disappointment of the day was having got back into the game so well, Ipswich conceded straight from the push back. Everyone switched off for a long corner and a ball was crashed through between a sleeping Ipswich, and a Blueharts forward was able to nip in around Josh Fry and place a shot past a helpless Ben Glading.

Ipswich continued to play an attractive style of play and again Rich Stainthorpe and Geoff Reed combined only for a Blueharts player to take out Geoff Reed, and another flick was awarded. Ed Driver again stepped forward and put it bottom right this time.

Jack Hinshelwood and Richard Stainthorpe both had chances to win the game, but Ipswich will be happy with the point. Captain Geoff Reed and Manager Graham Underwood were full of praise for the side after a couple of tough weeks previously. The defence were outstanding in this game and man of the match Richard Stainthorpe looks to be finally finding some form.