National 2nd Team CupSemi-FinalIpswich II 3 Reading II 1FOLLOWING Saturday's defeat Ipswich worked as a team to discuss their 'areas for development' and went out onto the pitch on Sunday determined to put in 100 per cent to win a place in the cup final.

National 2nd Team Cup

Semi-Final

Ipswich II 3 Reading II 1

FOLLOWING Saturday's defeat Ipswich worked as a team to discuss their 'areas for development' and went out onto the pitch on Sunday determined to put in 100 per cent to win a place in the cup final. Their positive team attitude, high work rate and team

cohesion was evident from the starting whistle with Ipswich attacking and defending as a team and pressurising the Reading 'D' early on.

Reading had a brief period of attack resulting in a penalty corner, this was saved by keeper Jade Daly and Ipswich were rapidly on the counter-attack, generating a three-on-two in the Reading 25 yard area and a fantastic opening goal from captain Anni Broster. Ipswich looked the stronger and fitter side and their efforts were rewarded with several penalty corners in the first half, one of which was slipped left to Anni Broster who struck it firmly against the backboard extending Ipswich's lead 2-0.

A silky piece of skill from Jo Gray beat three Reading defenders allowing her to slip the ball back from the baseline across the goalmouth where forward Fiona Lane (Jock) was well positioned to see it safely into the goal.

In the second half Ipswich continued to use the whole of the pitch well, with some good switching from the composed defensive team of Fi Moran, Sam Bennett, Kate Watson and Jenny Ellis and some great linking play and distribution from Hannah Tallent, Annabell Driver, Lucy Gallagher, Arianne Hanman and Sam Skelton in midfield. Forwards Anni Broster, Sarah Daly, Fiona Lane (Jock) and Connie Bedingfield continued to work hard to generate attacking leads but at times Ipswich found it hard to get the ball through to them. Ipswich continued to build up play using some great triangle passes all over the pitch. Reading scored with 15 minutes remaining, driving Ipswich to step up the pace once more to defend their lead.

The team would like to thank thirdrd team coach Ian Driver who stepped up in Mark's absence to help with coaching and all those who came to support us! "Commitment, enthusiasm, pride, believe" - these were the final words from coach Mark Wheelhouse before Ipswich left the changing rooms before the match and these were the embodiment of the team's performance which has earned them a place in the National Second Team Cup Final 2009. Ipswich will face Exeter or Bowden in the final on May 10.