Old Loughts 2 Ipswich 2

Slazenger Women's EHL Premier Division

Old Loughtonians 2 Ipswich 2

TWO games and two draws saw Ipswich end their double header weekend unbeaten but frustrated. While both Ipswich's opponents were more than happy to settle for a point, the Suffolk side have much higher expectations and are extremely disappointed not to have won both matches.

Saturday's game could not have started any worse for Ipswich with hosts Old Loughtonians scoring within the opening minute and then dominating the play for the opening exchanges.

Ipswich eventually settled down and, mainly driven on by the inspirational Jo Ellis, they managed to retain possession but were still not playing well. Despite the lack of fluid play Ipswich began to create chances and ex-Old Loughtonians player Jenny Hall was unlucky to see her move and shot cleared off the line.

It seemed only a matter of time until Ipswich scored and a good attack was rewarded with a penalty stroke after an Old Loughtonians defender had stopped a certain goal with her foot. Unfortunately for Ipswich Kate Hector put the stroke over the bar, however the disappointment did not last long as Ipswich levelled minutes later through Jo Ellis from a well-worked corner.

Five minutes later and Ipswich took a deserved lead, Emma Lee-Smith grabbing her first goal of the season and her 12th goal for Ipswich.

The second half saw Ipswich start a bit better and again they created chances that should have been taken but their Essex opponents battled hard and were quick to break up play when under pressure. With 20 minutes to play Ipswich suffered two key injuries, Vic Sandall hurt her back and then Hector her knee. The changes unsettled the team and, despite some hard work, the momentum switched back to the home team. However, Ipswich looked to have the match under control until the 65th minute when a contentious penalty stroke was awarded against them. The nearest umpire did not blow for a foul, but the opposite umpire back on the half way line decided otherwise and overruled their colleague, blowing for a stroke. Ipswich protested but to no avail and Julia Henry stepped up to score.

With only minutes left on the clock the game ended in frantic passages of play but both sides had to settle for a point. While Old Loughtonians strangely celebrated as if they had won, Ipswich were left to reflect on one of their worst performances of the season.