Ipswich East Suffolk 3 Haverhill 1

Division 2C

Ipswich East Suffolk 3 Haverhill 1

Saturday saw the clash of top and bottom clubs in the division. IES travelled to play Haverhill in what in the past has been a gritty and spirited match.

IES commanded play and set the tempo dictating to the host side where the ball should go and how the game would be played. It wasn't long, following strong play from Ellie Mason that IES found themselves in the home side's circle and once in there Anne Edney made life difficult for the defence and took away a goal. Claire Laight, Sapphire Cutting and Annette White caused considerable problems to the Haverhill defence and managed to ruffle a few feathers causing the home side to continue to wobble. IES had a few chances at goal through penalty corners but Haverhill stood strong and cleared their lines. The first half finished 1-0 to the visitors.

The second half started with IES slightly loosing their shape and having a temporary blip in their game plan. Once control was re-established the game took shape and with effective play from defenders Amanda Todd, Maria Whelan, Gill Burch and Claire Pearsons the ball was kept out of any dangerous areas. In goal, Meg Adams had little to do but remained focused in case of a break through and on such an occasions would calmly kick the ball to safety. At the other end Maria Whelan swept home a penalty corner goal from a well-worked routine pass from Amanda Todd.

Haverhill were awarded a penalty corner which was well executed resulting in a 2-1 lead to IES. Sophie Kesterton and captain Linda Rose were instrumental in ensuring that the ball was played through the midfield to the waiting forwards ensuring that the Haverhill defence had not a moment's rest. Anne Edney sealed the win for IES when she placed the ball placed the keeper ensuring a 3-1 win and another three points.