NE14Hockey Men's LeagueDivision 2NEIES 5 Dereham II 2IES, having not played for two weeks due to snow at Peterborough last weekend, looked sharp and ready to avenge their defeat to Dereham away before Christmas.

NE14Hockey Men's League

Division 2NE

IES 5 Dereham II 2

IES, having not played for two weeks due to snow at Peterborough last weekend, looked sharp and ready to avenge their defeat to Dereham away before Christmas. With a nigh on full strength side, IES started with Strongitharm in goal in place of injured captain Lane and gave Francis a first start for some time.

Starting like rampant greyhounds, IES took the lead inside two minutes thanks to David Taylor, whose turn and shot beat the Dereham keeper all ends up. IES forced many saves from both the Dereham keeper and his posts during the first half as they peppered the visitors with good work from their strong attacking formation. At the other end, Strongitharm on his debut kept numerous shots out to give his side a 1-0 advantage at half time.

The second half started poorly for IES as a defensive mix up 10 minutes in allowed Dereham's centre forward to turn at the top of the D and fire home past four players to make it 1-1. IES however rallied and fought back to claim the lead once more through Tingey who slipped the ball home. Dereham rallied once more and another defensive error led to their equaliser which ricocheted off Simon Holland and in. Not down and out, IES battled to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and through excellent work by the forwards won a penalty corner which Cole dispatched with aplomb past the diving keeper for 3-2. IES never looked back and Elsom, making a cameo appearance for the first XI drilled a penalty corner inches wide before Francis scored from close-range to make it 4-2. Elsom topped off an excellent game for the first XI with a smashed shot that left the Dereham keeper with no chance.

IES welcome Cambridge City III to Copleston next weekend.