Oxted 5 Ipswich 1

Slazenger EHL

South Division

Oxted 5 Ipswich 1

Ipswich still need three points to confirm their national league status are this defeat to high-flying Oxted.

Oxted confirmed a second spot in the league for the second year running and set up a play off with the runners up from the North League.

The game started with Oxted's South African international vice captain Ken Forbes dominating the game from defence, spraying passes around to his forwards. This forced Ipswich back deeper and deeper and it seemed only a matter of time until they conceded a goal. Ipswich's cause wasn't helped as they were unable to string more than two passes together.

The inevitable came in the 11th minute when Oxted's Adam Wilson scored off a rebounded shot after a smart stop from youngster Ben Glading in goal. Two Oxted short corner goals were added before half time. The half drew to a close and was arguably the visitors' worst performance of the season.

The second half got underway with Ipswich improving slightly. After 38 minutes, Fulker found Roosbald who deflected neatly high into the net for his second goal in as many games.

This caused Oxted to press Ipswich back once more and Mike Trim converted a short corner after 46 minute.

Problems were soon to follow for the visitors when captain Fulker was withdrawn due to a hamstring strain and he is now doubtful for next week's relegation showdown with St Albans.

Oxted completed the scoring when Adam Wilson converted a penalty stroke.