NE14 Hockey East Vets LeagueIpswich 4 Harleston 1Ipswich draw level with Harleston at the top-of-the-table following this important victory.On a bitterly cold and wet afternoon Ipswich made a poor start and the determined visitors enjoyed the best of the early exchanges.

NE14 Hockey East Vets League

Ipswich 4 Harleston 1

Ipswich draw level with Harleston at the top-of-the-table following this important victory.

On a bitterly cold and wet afternoon Ipswich made a poor start and the determined visitors enjoyed the best of the early exchanges.

Uncharacteristically keeper Steward's clearance found an attacker who duly dispatched the early Christamas present to give Harleston the lead.

However, Ipswich regrouped and put the steely Fletton into midfield who was able to break up the Magpies midfield play. Eventually the home team drew level when Foster converted with the defence expecting a cross.

The second half started much as the first with Magpies on top, but with Gray and Gaffer not giving an inch, Ipswich gradually gained the upper hand.

Tew fired a tremendous shot against the post from a penalty corner and then Curzon should have turned home a superb pass from Crowe.

Ipswich gained the lead eventually when Foster broke free and gave the keeper no chance.

From then on Ipswich really began to dominate. With the appalling conditions mistakes were inevitable, but Cutting came into his own with some mazy runs that the visitors found difficult to deal with.

Curzon then made amends for his earlier miss, bagging a pair to put the result beyond doubt.

Next week the vets take a break from league action to take on the fourths.