Slazenger EHL WomenPremier League Ipswich 1 Clifton 3IPSWICH had the majority of possession and circle penetrations in this Slazenger EHL Premier League game but it was visitors Clifton that took the points with a 3-1 win.

Slazenger EHL Women

Premier League

Ipswich 1 Clifton 3

IPSWICH had the majority of possession and circle penetrations in this Slazenger EHL Premier League game but it was visitors Clifton that took the points with a 3-1 win.

Ipswich buoyed by a good pre-game talk by coach James Kingstone started the brighter team and with Clifton struggling to perform the basics things boded well for the home side.

Despite the good start by Ipswich they could not capitalise on several opportunities and against the run of play Clifton took the lead through a short corner strike.

Despite initially losing their shape the home side re-grouped and only some good saves by Clifton goalkeeper Gemma Ible kept Ipswich out.

Ipswich then handed Clifton another goal, when a pass out from the back was easily intercepted and gave the Clifton striker a clear shot on goal, which she happily fired past Ipswich keeper Claire Gould.

Determined to get back into the game Ipswich stepped up their pressure and working to Kingstone's tactics the home side began to pin the visitors in their 25 yard area.

Chloe Hunnable had probably the best chance of the first half but her mazy run and shot was straight at the keeper and Ipswich went into half time 2-0 down.

The second half saw Ipswich Captain Vic Sandall come more into the game and her tight ball skills and keen eye for a pass saw the home side again create more and more chances. Clifton were now relying on the long ball and with Millie Sharp and Kirsten Spencer dealing with that danger Ipswich looked the more likely side to score.

However again Ible denied the home side with a string of good saves and when an Ipswich attack broke down Clifton took full advantage to force the ball home to make it 3-0.

With time running out Ipswich were determined to get at least a goal and on the 69th minute they were finally rewarded. A great shot by Lizzy Aldous from a short corner finally beat Ible to make it 3-1.

With all their possession and chances Ipswich were obviously disappointed not to have got something out of this game but they can take heart from their performance and know that they are improving. The next stage is converting chances and possession into goals and when that happens Ipswich will start collecting points.

Next week Ipswich face Olton at home and with the midlands team having slammed 12 goals without reply against the Essex team Ipswich will know that they will have to step up their game.