Ipswich Vets

East Veterans League

Ipswich 2 Bury St Edmunds 0

Ipswich entertained Bury, a team they had beaten comfortably at the start of the season, but with the home team resting their over 40 players for the cup game this was a much closer encounter.

Bury started the better team but rarely troubled Steward in goal, while Ipswich were finding it difficult to get their passing game going.

Ipswich were very pleased to welcome back Girling after an 18 month lay off and he made a lively start on the road to full match fitness. Midway through the half the visitors thought they had taken the lead but the eagle-eyed umpire had spotted an infringement. Bury felt hard done by and more so when they conceded a soft goal. After a well-worked short corner routine the final shot by Glading trickled towards the goal and was helped over the line by the unfortunate defender Blake.

The second half began with Bury again enjoying the greater share of play as the home midfield found it difficult to find their forwards. Bury were unable to create any clear cut chances and Fletton, making his return after injury, was a rock at the back.

As the final quarter arrived Ipswich began to create a few half chances, but the visitors keeper made a string of fine saves to deny Ipswich. As the final minutes arrived Ipswich thought they had made the game safe as Morley steered the ball home, only for the umpire to award a penalty corner. Glading stepped up to lash the ball home with venom to guarantee victory.

East Veterans Cup

Indian Gymkhana 7 Ipswich 1

Ipswich travelled to Indian Gymkana in the over 40s cup match against the favourites and last years finalists.

Severely hit by injuries and non availability, Ipswich put up a valiant effort, but at the end of the day were well beaten. Cutting bundled in the consolation goal for the visitors.

Cup glory will now have to come from the over 50s team who make the long journey to Cockermouth in a couple of weeks time to take on unknown quantity Borders HC.