East Premier League Ipswich 2 City of Peterborough 2 Despite dominating possession and chances Ipswich Hockey Club’s women’s first team had to settle for a point on Saturday, as they were held to a draw for the first time this season.
Ipswich started on fire and were ahead after a minute, Micha Knowles scoring her first goal of the season with a ripper that found the back of the net and left their visitors shell-shocked.
Ipswich looked in total control but it was not long before they let Peterborough back into the match, as a poor pass out of defence straight to the visitors’ centre forward saw a two-on-one that left Ipswich keeper Ali Barham with no chance.
It was now Ipswich’s turn to look shell-shocked and the visitors took full advantage, winning a short corner that they converted to take the lead.
Despite the set-back Ipswich dug in and won a series of short corners. An appeal for a penalty stroke was turned down after it struck the defender in front of goal and half-time saw Ipswich go in 2-1 down.
The second half saw Ipswich step up another gear and it looked only a matter of time before the home team were back on terms. However some inspired goalkeeping by the visitors’ stopper somehow kept the ball out the net.
Ipswich kept pushing and more great chances arrived after some good play by player of the match and co-captain Emma Millar. With time ticking on Ipswich kept playing good hockey and finally they got the deserved breakthrough with Lizzy Wheelhouse firing in a great penalty corner.
Ipswich sensed the three points were there for the taking but the visitors defended their goal well and were keen to get the ball in the corner to run the clock down.
The final whistle saw Ipswich frustrated with the draw but well aware that they had created enough chances to comfortably win the match.
Next up for the Suffolk side is another home game against Maidstone. Push-back is 2pm on Saturday, and spectators are welcome to come and enjoy the game.
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