Cambridge City 2 Ipswich 4

National Men's Vintage Cup

Cambridge City 2 Ipswich 4

Ipswich's veteran's side moved into the final of the National Over-50s cup with an impressive win over east rivals Cambridge City.

Missing a couple of players through injury and holidays, Ipswich none the less fielded a full squad but with one or two playing out of their usual positions.

Cambridge were at full strength and it was always going to be a difficult job to defeat the home team.

Ipswich started brilliantly and this seemed to stand them in good stead and instil the thought that they could win this match.

During this opening spell Glading had a first time strike saved well after a Hauxwell cross and then a well-worked penalty corner routine stopped by Wake. Glading also saw a further shot brilliantly denied by the diving keeper.

Cambridge took the lead against the run of play and this seemed to spur on the home team, whose right wing came into play and initially gave Hampton a very difficult time.

Ipswich weathered the storm, with Whetton outstanding throughout, and after a series of penalty corners Glading picked up a save and slipped the ball home.

As half time approached Ipswich were glad to be on terms but, with seconds to go, Cambridge were dealt a blow when a quick free hit by Hauxwell found Youngman free in the circle and the defender neatly slipped the ball home.

Captain Steward was pleased with the first half effort but it was clear that either team could still win through to the final.

The first 20 minutes was an intriguing contest, with both teams putting in tremendous efforts. Phil Sampson, Ipswich's man-of-the-match, was working his socks off and not giving an inch in midfield.

However, an inspired substitution by the home team resulted in the sub deflecting high past a stranded Steward with his first touch.

Ipswich reclaimed the lead when Glading followed up a shot and the keeper illegally cleared the ball. Wake stepped up and converted the resultant flick.

Ipswich were then under the cosh and were grateful to Steward as he deflected wide before Girling made an inspired clearance off the line.

Hughes was switched to midfield to help keep Cambridge at bay and then the unfortunate Peter Sampson was forced to leave the pitch after a mis-timed challenge.

Cambridge then threw everything forward in an attempt to take the tie to penalty strokes, but this made them vulnerable to the counter attack and, in the dying minutes, this proved their undoing.

Hauxwell picked up a loose ball and in the act of shooting was fouled. Once again Wake stepped up to convert the flick to guarantee victory and a first appearance in the final against Indian Gymkhana.