England Hockey Vintage Cup Woking 1 Ipswich 2 Ipswich made the long trip to Woking in the over-50s cup to take on a team at the top of their league and undefeated for over 12 months.

England Hockey Vintage Cup

Woking 1 Ipswich 2

Ipswich made the long trip to Woking in the over-50s cup to take on a team at the top of their league and undefeated for over 12 months.

Ipswich were grateful for two first half strikes and a superb second half performance from man of the match Steward in goal.

The early exchanges were fairly even with neither team able to create a clear cut chance and Ipswich were finding it difficult to get their normal flowing play working. However, the defence held firm with Steed in particular making his mark.

Ipswich took the lead mid way through the half when the best move of the half allowed Hauxwell time to pick his spot. Within minutes Ipswich stunned the home team when they increased the lead, Sampson found Glading unmarked in the circle and his pass was pounced on by Wake to slam home into an empty net.

The second half began with Woking dominating midfield but the Ipswich defence held firm and their attacking options came mostly down the right wing with Hauxwell in lively mood. Perhaps Ipswich's best chance to put the match beyond the home team came when Youngman, playing in an unfamiliar role of left wing, just failed to connect to a right wing cross and then Glading was denied by a good save.

As the final quarter of the match arrived Woking piled on the pressure and during this spell of dominance Steward made a string of exceptional saves and the Ipswich goal lead a charmed live. Woking pulled a goal back towards the end of the game as the umpire allowed a good advantage to set up a tense final few minutes but Ipswich held firm to guarantee their entry into the next round.