Norwich Dragons II 3 IES 4

NE14Hockey East Men's League

Division 4NE

Norwich Dragons II 3

IES 4

IES travelled to the market town of Loddon in Norfolk, the home of Norwich Dragons, in hope of claiming a much needed win. With a depleted squad through work and injury, IES faced an uphill struggle but started the game well and had much of the play, forcing the home keeper into a couple of saves. The visitors took the lead as key forward Cole weaved through the Dragons' defence and eventually forced a shot away after numerous twists and turns. The Dragons fought back, having a shot saved by Lane's helmet but then equalised through a drag flick that keeper Lane could not keep out despite getting his wrist to the ball. Dragons took the initiative and scored a second shortly afterwards after a dreadful mistake by the IES defence on a 16 yard hit.

Half time came at a good time for IES and they re-grouped, and John Adams replaced the injured Pettit who pulled up with a hamstring strain. IES fought to regain control of the game and drew level as Cole once again kept his side in a game with a wicked reverse stick strike that the home keeper didn't see. They then took the lead through a well worked penalty corner routine, as Cole dragged the ball to Tingey to deflect home. Again the Dragons responded and drew level after a quick drag flick beat the defence, ricocheted off the post and fell kindly to be placed home past Lane. However, IES won the encounter as Tingey scored with another deflected goal this time from a pacey ball in from vice captain Kevyn Brown.

IES host Cambridge University 3rd XI on Saturday looking to consolidate their position before the Christmas break.