Ipswich W1s v Bedford

Ipswich went into the game knowing full well that Bedford were well drilled in their attacking penalty corners, but the team were unable to prevent them from converting.

A slow start saw Ipswich concede their first PC early which Bedford converted with a powerful sweep into the goal. Another PC followed soon after with a similar outcome, followed by a breakaway by a Bedford forward to score their only field goal and take them 3-0 up.

Following a stern quarter time talking to by Leonie Kammeijer, Ipswich pulled together and began to dominate the game, winning their own string of PCs. Lizzy Wheelhouse, Lucy Dunnett and Emily Wheaton took their turns from the top, but sadly were unable to convert.

It was Bedford who scored their fourth goal and third attacking PC with a deflection on the post, beating the Ipswich defence. But this did not deter Ipswich, it spurred on the midfield of Captain Dunnett, player of the match Emma Rix, Maddy Barnes and Frankie Rogers to play searching balls towards the D for the forwards to latch onto.

Winning more PCs, it seemed it would only be a matter of time before Ipswich scored and the team were disappointed not to take their chances.

Bedford converted their fourth attacking PC, playing the ball around the D and finishing with a first strike into the roof of the goal which everyone expected to be disallowed, but it was not Ipswich’s day and the goal stood handing Bedford a 5-0 lead.

Ipswich continued to push on with Kat Blake playing long balls through to forwards Wheelhouse, Sophie Sexton and Kate Wingar, who managed to win further PCs. But it was Bedford with the last word, winning another PC in the dying seconds which took an awkward deflection into the goal to make it 6-0.

Despite the score, there were a great deal of positives to take from the game and Ipswich were confident in knowing they were equals on pitch. A big game awaits this Saturday when the girls take on Broxbourne who sit one place above them in the league.