Ipswich ladies’ hockey side enjoyed a win double at the weekend, claiming back-to-back victories over Maidstone and local rivals Norwich.
Starting on Saturday with a trip to Maidstone, Ipswich opened the scoring, with a great first-time deflection goal from Lizzy Wheelhouse.
Then some great attacking play by Chloe Williams led to a penalty corner being awarded. Player of the match and co-captain Emma Millar powered the ball into the goal, via a Maidstone defender.
A minute later and it was the other co-captain Charlie Anderson’s turn, again a great shot from a corner.
Maidstone got one back in the second half, but the Suffolk side responded well and restored their three goal lead as Anderson bagged her second from the penalty spot.
Ipswich carried on playing well and some great link up play by Lucy Dunnett and forward Sarah Daley led to more penalty corners being won but Ipswich could not extend the lead and the game finished 4-1.
The next day saw the East Anglian derby come to Tuddenham Road as bottom side Norwich City paid a visit.
The Suffolk side started on fire and within minutes it became obvious that they would be dominating possession and chances. Ipswich had numerous chances in the first half but the Norwich keeper made some great stops and the away team were defending with great gusto.
Despite their frustration at not converting chances, Ipswich entered half-time feeling in control and were determined to make their advantages count in the second half.
Sure enough it was top scorer Chloe Williams who finally showed the composure needed to beat the inspired Norwich stopper with a lovely neat bit of skill to leave the keeper stranded and finish with a strong shot past the despairing defenders.
Then Ipswich stopper Ali Barham, a spectator for much of the match, was called upon to make a game-winning save and seal a 1-0 win. Next up for Ipswich is a home game with St Albans this weekend.
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