HARWICH AND DOVERCOURT 4

IPSWICH III 2

Suffolk Women’s League premier division

HARWICH produced their best hockey of the season to defeat table-toppers Ipswich.

They stay third in the table, with a chance to go second if they win their game in hand.

In a thrilling game for spectators, the home side were without Nikki Kudela, through work commitments, and had Emma Joslin playing up front with a thumb injury.

The opening exchanges were even, until the 24th minute, when an unmarked Ipswich forward slipped the ball home.

This spurred Harwich on and, on 29 minutes, the hard-working Rachel Griffin slammed home an equaliser.

This was short-lived as, three minutes later, local girl Katie Rowe found space and scored with a well-taken shot for Ipswich.

The second half saw the home midfield take control, with Sophie Berryman everywhere and having her game of the season.

However, it was Joslin who robbed a defender of the ball and got the equaliser.

The home side then turned the screw, with Caz Greenall, Fi Wynne, Jess Joslin, Griffin and Berryman playing some inspired hockey.

It took two attacks to secure the victory and twice the home side passed the ball forward at speed, with excellent running off the ball.

Berryman got on the end of the first move and deservedly got the goal of the game with a tremendous finish.

A minute later, Joslin was on the spot to get the fourth and her second.

With six minutes to go, Rowe thought she had scored her second for Ipswich but the ball had travelled to her via an Ipswich foot and was disallowed. This was an excellent advert for Suffolk Women’s League hockey, with both sides playing their part.

Harwich’s defence again looked solid, with lots of support from midfield pair Abbie Henshall and Gabby Williams.

Both had their best games.

Josie Brosnan, out of position at the back, also played beyond her years.

New players are always welcome. Equipment will be supplied.

Training for ladies and any newcomers is on the artifical pitch at Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles between 7pm and 8pm on Mondays.