Close game sees Cup run end

Ipswich entered the England Hockey Cup for the first time in well over 10 years. With a proud history and 3 title successes behind them this Ipswich squad was excited to write their own chapter.

They welcomed Midlands Conference team St Albans to Tuddenham Rd on a warm October day and the game started brightly with both sides looking to dominate possession.

It was an even first half, with Ipswich having the best chance from a PC rebound, but Emma Rix saw her shot fire just wide of the post.

At 0-0 the game was there for the taking and on the 38th minute Ipswich finally found the back of the net. A superb move by Holly Willis, saw her carry the ball at speed and play a cracking ball to Hollie Dring-Richardson at the top of the circle. Hollie finished with a cracking shot into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 to Ipswich.

The goal sparked St Albans into life and Ipswich were guilty of taking their foot off the gas and within minutes the away team were level. Ali Barham making a great smothering tackle, but St Albans were quickest to the rebound and fired it across goal for a deflection.

The game now sprung into life and it was end to end, Ipswich player of the match India Goodman causing problems with her pace. The home side won a run of corners, but missing key personnel the routines looked a bit flat.With time running out St Albans struck again, Barham again making the first save but St Albans reacting first and placing it into the bottom corner of the goal.

Ipswich's small squad were determined not to give up and again forced a run of corners, but the St Albans GK made a string of good saves and the final whistle confirmed the visitors as the winners. Ipswich will look back on missed chances and unavailability of key players but must now focus on the return to the league that re-starts on Saturday, with a 5pm home game v Spencer.