Womens 3s vs Ipswich W3

The womens 3s made the early trip to Tuddenham Road to face Ipswich 3s, with the sun shining the team were raring to go.

The game started with Magpies having the majority of possession, moving the ball around the pitch well and putting lots of pressure on Ipswich all over the pitch. The press from the forward line (Beckett-Flatman, Minns, van Haren & Kinsella) and midfield (Legg, Stacey, Walker, Hipwell & Smith) was the most attacking we have played all season and this resulted in numerous balls being turned over high up the pitch. Lots of penalty corners were awarded but unfortunately Magpies were unable to score. The defence (Dodds, Taylor & Seppings) marshalled any Ipswich attacks well with keeper (Pope) rarely called into action. Nearing half time, the team were determined to have something to show for the huge amount of possession they had in the Ipswich half. A ball passed through from midfield to Minns who then drove into the D, fending off strong tackles from the defence and weaved her way through with a reverse stick flick to score. After a brief discussion with the umpires, the goal stood and the half time score was 1-0.

The second half continued in much the same manner, with Magpies still unable to convert their many chances. An unfortunate ankle injury to Legg took her out of the game, and much to the supporters shock the team decided to try and make things more difficult for themselves. After an umpire warning for stick tackles, Seppings was awarded a yellow card. The team reshuffled and managed the game during this period. Once back to full numbers, a green card was awarded to Kinsella, followed a minute later by another green card, this time for goalscorer Minns! Another reshuffle and amazingly the team were able to continue playing attacking hockey during this time with only 9 players on the pitch.

The final 5 minutes went past with no further scares and the team can be pleased with the performance - lots of positive teamwork and the most vocal all over the pitch with players beginning to settle into the squad.

POTM - Amy Hipwell