Ipswich 2 Olton & West Warwick 2

Slazenger EHL Premier Division

Ipswich 2 Olton & West Warwick 2

Ipswich were left with mixed emotions from this league match against Olton, pleased that they had grabbed a draw with just eleven fit players, but disappointed to have let a two goal lead slip.

The hosts totally dominated the opening exchanges, pinning Olton back into their half. The reward for this endeavour came in the 13th minute as Lizzy Aldous dived in at the far post to score her sixth EHL goal of the season.

However, despite the good start, Ipswich's injury crisis deepened minutes later when defender Kirsten Spencer had to come off with a calf strain. A reshuffle at the back saw the momentum shift and soon Olton were beginning to create chances. Despite a run of short corners to the visitors though Ipswich held firm. The rest of the half saw both teams working hard but not really creating too many opportunities.

The second half saw Ipswich double their lead when, after some great individual skill by top scorer Jenny Hall saw her create room for a shot from the top of the circle, the keeper could only parry the ball to the waiting Sarah Talent who was on hand to tap in for her second goal of the season.

Ipswich now knew they needed to keep a determined Olton at bay, but with over four players now playing with injuries and no more fit substitutes left on the bench, the team were becoming more and more stretched. Olton finally got back into the match when Mandy Gatherer scored from a well-worked short corner.

A minute later and the visitors were level, again from another short corner which this time was converted by Denise Marston-Smith.

Despite the setbacks Ipswich continued to work hard and some great play by Jo Ellis and Emma Lee-Smith in midfield led to what should have been Ipswich's third goal. As an initial shot rebounded off the Olton keeper Lizzy Aldous stepped into the circle and unleashed a superb strike into the top corner, however the umpire blew for a short corner just us Aldous unleashed her shot. A disbelieving Ipswich could only rue their bad luck and as the game played out it became clear that the home side would have to settle for another 2-2 draw.

Despite feeling that they should have had all three points Ipswich can be proud of the way the whole team worked and battled to the end.