Slazenger EHLPremier League Ipswich 1 Chelmsford 1 DESPITE missing two key players Ipswich dominated this derby game and on another day could have won by three clear goals but a combination of poor finishing and the Chelmsford post saw the Suffolk side held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in their last Slazenger EHL Premier game of 2008.

Slazenger EHL

Premier League

Ipswich 1 Chelmsford 1

DESPITE missing two key players Ipswich dominated this derby game and on another day could have won by three clear goals but a combination of poor finishing and the Chelmsford post saw the Suffolk side held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in their last Slazenger EHL Premier game of 2008.

The game started with Ipswich immediately in the ascendancy, a super through ball saw Sarah Daley beat the Chelmsford keeper with ease but she had to watch in agony as her shot went inches wide.

Aware that chances would keep coming Ipswich remained calm and won a series of short corners but a lack of clinical finishing saw the Essex side clear the ball to safety on all occasions.

As per usual in these tense derby games the tension was high and both sides were lucky to avoid cautions for some strong tackles.

Ipswich though were looking much the better side and a special mention must go to Striker Lizzy Aldous who did a superb job of playing left defender for the majority of the first half.

Despite the home side's domination the teams entered the second half locked at 0-0 and Ipswich knew they would need to step up their finishing if they wanted to score that vital goal. With roughly 20 minutes left on the clock the home side thought they had broken through but Emma Millar's shot, rebounded off the post. Spurred on by the near miss Ipswich attacked again and this time were rewarded. Lizzy Aldous, now back in her more usual role up front, meeting a super cross by Sarah Daley to slam the ball into the back of the net.

Still buzzing from the goal Ipswich were aware of the danger of the Chelmsford response and were left frustrated when a harsh short corner was awarded against them. Annoyance turned to dismay when the Chelmsford strike was deflected off an Ipswich stick past the wrong footed Mariette Rix in the Ipswich goal to bring the scores level at 1-1. The fact it was the visitors only shot of the game highlights how one sided the match was.

Ipswich regrouped and created several more chances but they could not find that final killer shot and as the whistle went to end the game the feeling of disappointment in the home team was palatable.

Ipswich stay four points ahead of bottom of the table Chelmsford but know that when the outdoor season starts again at the end of January they will need to start picking up some much needed points.

The team's attention now turns to the Indoor season and they will be looking forward to working with new indoor coach James Kingston in preparation for the first weekend starting on December 13.