Bowdon Hightown 4 Ipswich 0

Slazenger EHL Women's League

Premier

Bowdon Hightown 4 Ipswich 0

AFTER Bowdon's 8-0 Valentine Massacre of Chelmsford, Ipswich knew they were in for a tough game on Sunday against the runaway leaders of the Slazenger EHL Premier League.

Ipswich started the game well and despite missing captain Vic Sandall and vice captain Mille Sharp the Suffolk side settled quickly. The home team though were determined to score an early goal and after a few near misses and some good saves by Mariette Rix in the Ipswich goal they finally breached the away team's defence on the eighth minute via a short corner.

Disappointingly two minutes later Ipswich were 3-0 down. Two goals from open play that gave the Suffolk side a mountain to climb.

With Hightown sensing a possible repeat of their rout on Saturday they looked to increase the pressure again but Ipswich held firm and some great play Emma Lee-Smith in midfield and Charlotte Anderson in defence ensured the away team started to get back into the game. Just before half time though Ipswich were dealt another blow as Hightown scored their fourth goal of the game.The half-time break gave Ipswich time to re-group and the away side started with a renewed determination. Lee-Smith in particular causing the Manchester-based side all sorts of problems and it was no surprise when Nicky O'Donnell was shown the green card for a bad stick tackle.

Both sides created a few chances as the half progressed but their respective keepers dealt with all of them with. The final whistle saw Bowdon remain unbeaten at the top of the table and Ipswich still in need of points at the bottom end.

It was a much better second-half display from the Suffolk side and with three key players to come back into the squad next week against Leicester the team will be looking to grab those points.