Ipswich held to draw by opponets GK heroics

Sat 15th October 2016
East Premier League
Ipswich v Maidstone
Result : 1-1
Scorer : C Anderson

Ipswich remain just 3 points off top spot in the league but will look back at this game as 2 points dropped after peppering the Maidstone goal but only able to come away with a 1-1 draw.

The game started with Ipswich on top but Maidstone were keen to take the match to their hosts and it was nip and tuck for the opening 20 minutes. The home side then started to take charge and only a great save by the visitors GK, one of many through the game, stopped a diving Sarah Bamfield from scoring for the third game in a row. Ipswich then won a run of short corners but again they could not find a way past the keeper. Ipswich though kept knocking on the door and eventually they were rewarded. A shot by Kate Wingar was stopped by the Maidstone player with the back of her stick and the umpire awarded a stroke. Up stepped co-captain Charlie Anderson and she powered the ball into the goal to make it -1-0.

Ipswich were playing so well that coach Mariette Rix had only a few things to adjust at half time and the home side started the second half at a cracking pace. It was one way traffic but despite many shots on target the Suffolk side could not force the ball in the goal. Player of the match Sophie Sexton was rampant down the right hand side and with Anderson also creating some superb driving runs through the middle it looked only a matter of time before Ipswich extended their lead. Chloe Williams probably having the best chance but her effort was well saved and Ipswich again were left empty handed. With time ticking on Maidstone threw everything into attack and won a contentious penalty corner. The first 2 corners were well defended but the third saw the visitors score and draw the sides level with only 7 minutes to go.

Ipswich knew it was not what was deserved but responded very well and pinned the home side in their own 25 yard area. Once again they won a run of corners but once again they were defended well. then with seconds remaining Shen Dedic thought she had scored the winner, only to see the Maidstone keeper get the slightest of touch to send it wide of the post.

The final whistle saw Ipswich praising the visitors keeper but knowing that they deserved more than the 1 point they got. Despite the frustrations Ipswich know on another day they would have won by 3 or 4 goals and will take that confidence into next weeks game against St Albans 2's.