English Hockey League

Women’s Conference East

SATURDAY saw Ipswich lose their first home game for two seasons. Going down 4-0 to a Sevenoaks team that moved to the top of the table. Ipswich did not play to their potential at all and ironically suffered at the hands of ex-Ipswich striker Cathy Gilliat-Smith, who scored a hat-trick.

Despite starting well and putting their hosts under pressure Ipswich could not capitalise on the early pressure and on the 15th minute Ipswich were behind. Gilliat-Smith latching onto a quick free hit and smashing the ball home.

Ipswich were keen to bounce back but despite some good possession they could not find the final pass in the attacking 25 and on the 19th minute they were 2-0 down.

The second half saw Ipswich start with a renewed determination but again despite the lion share of possession the home side could not find the decisive attacking final ball.

Pushing forward Ipswich were caught again and Gilliat-Smith scored her second goal of the game.

With 30 minutes left to go the home team dug in and again tried to turn possession into attacking promise but it wasn’t to be and with two minutes to go Gilliat-Smith scored her hat trick.