England Hockey League

Women’s Conference East

IPSWICH lost an EHL league game for the first time since November 2009, going down 1-0 to Sevenoaks in this Sunday afternoon fixture.

The team welcomed new signing GK Caroline Stuart to the starting line up and she will have been disappointed to have been beaten only 10 minutes into her debut.

The game started at a fast pace, with the home side having the best of attacks. However Ipswich held firm and their defence marshalled by Charlie Anderson looked in control. But on 10 minutes a missed tackle on the baseline saw Sevenoaks through on goal and with Stuart committed, the home side took their easy tap in.

Ipswich fought back hard and with player of the match Jess Bloom creating several great overlapping runs it was the Suffolk side that started to create chances. They earned a short corner but the resulting shot flew wide.

The rest of the first half ebbed and flowed with probably the stand out moment a brave save by Stuart off a shot from point blank range.

Ipswich knew the game was still there for the taking and with an inspired change of formation from coach James Kingstone visitors the second half saw Ipswich in complete control of the game. The home side could not string a pass together and were pinned into their own half for long spells. However despite this pressure Ipswich could not create any clear chances on goal and the team knew they needed to turn pressure into goals.

With the time ticking on Ipswich again poured forward and some great leg work and stick skills by Chloe Hunnable saw the visitors once more attack the home sides circle but Hunnables shot was well saved.

With only five minutes left on the clock the home side were now defending with a touch of panic and it looked as if they had gifted Ipswich the perfect opportunity. Their defender passed the ball to Anni Broster on the top of the circle and with the keeper beaten Broster had the goal at her mercy. Unfortunately her shot was off target and the home side could not believe their luck. It was to be the last chance for the visitors and it was Sevenoaks that celebrated the win at the final whistle.

Ipswich did not stop running all game and their second half performance deserved at least a point but for the second week running a lack of finishing up front and conceding a soft goal cost them maximum points.

The positives of this match though far outweigh the negative result and the Suffolk side know that they are improving with every game.

Saturday they travel to St Albans for another tricky game against a team that will pack 11 players behind the ball.