Ipswich 3 Firebrands 3

Slazenger Men's EHL

South Division

Ipswich 3 Firebrands 3

Ipswich secured their National League status with a hard fought, high-scoring draw against Firebrands.

Ipswich took the lead on three separate occasions during the match, but could not get away from their tenacious Bristol-based opponents.

The result also ensured the survival of Firebrands, with Robinsons now looking to be heading into the dreaded relegation play-offs.

The re-structuring of the National League this summer now effectively equates to a promotion for the Suffolk team, putting them within one league of the Premier Division.

Captain Ivan Smith said: “Next season is going to be tough, playing against some amazing teams and players, but if we want this club to go anywhere then we need to compete against these teams.

“The dream is to get into the Premier League and we will be in touching distance of that next season so need to begin the preparations early.”

Against Firebrands, Kier Dixon opened the scoring with a trademark penalty corner before Firebrands levelled the scores in the 48th minute through a Matt Blakeman reverse stick shot.

Ipswich were back in front seven minutes later courtesy of a Will Hearne close range effort, but Firebrands drew level again through a penalty strike from Edward Miller.

Dixon slammed in another powerful set piece to once again give Ipswich the lead, but the scoring was completed when Firebrands striker Andy Edwards made the score 3-3 shortly before the end.

Ipswich coach Ian Gall said: “It has been a really hard season, but the lads have risen to the challenge and absolutely deserve to be keeping their place.

“We have a good young squad which is constantly improving - hopefully there is much more to come.”