Broxbourne 3 Ipswich II 3

NE14HOCKEY East League

Premier A

Broxbourne 3 Ipswich II 3

A severely depleted Ipswich II side were left pleased with a point at Broxbourne.

Due to five unavailability's, Ipswich were forced to start the match with ten men.

In addition, Ed Youngman made his debut for the seconds, while the young Josh Godfrey also caught the eye.

This was a game of two very good sides going forward with not a lot to offer defensively. Without man-of-the-match Tony Burch, Ipswich could have conceded a hat full as captain Reed had a poor game out of position.

Swindin, usually a solid performer, was not at his best also, while Ipswich's player-of-the-season so far, Jim Walker, was also out of position.

Burch pulled off some incredible saves but, with Broxbourne racing into a 2-0 lead after just seven minutes, the young side felt the worse was to come.

Ipswich pulled a goal back through the man playing his testimonial before stepping into retirement, Jim Smith netting from a deadly short corner strike.

Things got worse for Ipswich when they went 3-1 down, however goals from Martin and Miller from the penalty spot put the game at 3-3 at half time.

In the second half Ipswich had to be strong as Broxbourne showed their rough and fiery style of play, provoking spectator Graham Underwood to be spoken to and warned by the umpire as tempers flared.

Ipswich will lose Smith for next week, but welcome back Calver, Dixon and Cook, however Palmer is still sidelined with injury and Ipswich will need to show similar character against Bluehearts after their 7-1 win this week.