NE14 Hockey East Men’s League

Division 2N

THE Ipswich side made the trip to the heart of the fens last Saturday with the aim of riding high on last week’s win over Spalding. But, as ever, away games caused unavailability and IES travelled with a bare 11 plus coach Jason Pettit down in the starting lineup, although they welcomed back skipper Kevyn Brown. James Pettit made his debut after impressing for the second 11.

IES tried to start the game by playing a half court press system, but their players struggled to stick to their guns without sideline coaching and despite some good play, they fell behind to a penalty corner, which was neatly dragged to the left post and deflected in. IES battled back and made it one all shortly afterwards as Paul Kendrick, playing up front instead of his usual midfield role, slipped a reverse stick flick over Ely’s advancing keeper.

IES failed to capitalise on this reply and conceded a harsh penalty corner, with which Ely’s routine found an unmarked player at the right post for a tap in.

Two one at half time and IES again tried to play their defensive system, and actually capitalised with a break away goal from George Sutton who swept in at the back post for two all. Game on and the Cambridgeshire side gained several dubious play advantages and decisions, one of which led to a reverse stick strike into the top corner which IES keeper Lane had no chance of reaching. Shortly afterwards, the home side scored their fourth through a close range tap in after some neat work down the left wing.

IES were disappointed with the result in Ely, but hold hope of retaining home form as they entertain Bourne at Copleston this Saturday.

IES Squad: Lane (GK), Brown (C), Coulson, Pettit, Pettit, Farrow, Kendrick, Oakley, Sutton, Klug, Howe, Jones.