|
You are in: Home >> Media Centre >> All News Ipswich 1 v Men's 1st XI
Chelmsford men’s first team finish the season on a high Sunday was to be the day of reckoning for the Chelmsford Hockey Club 1st XI Men’s team, with a win being sufficient to avoid relegation, or the dreaded play-offs. So the stage was set for the biggest game of the season against local club Ipswich, a team also precariously placed at the bottom of the table. Although Chelmsford only managed a draw in their previous encounter at Chelmer Park they were optimistic at being able to manufacture a result against a side that were now on a run of 8 consecutive defeats. The first minutes of the encounter were very intense as both sided pushed forward in an attempt to take an early lead. Initially it was the Ipswich side that looked most threatening as Chelmsford struggled to adjust to the unfamiliar sand based pitch. Having soaked up the early pressure with some solid defensive play, as the half progressed Chelmsford started to dominate and threaten the Ipswich Goal. Chelmsford’s good ball movement and quick transitions saw them able to mount several penetrating attacking drives only to be denied by a determined Ipswich defence. It took until the 30th minute for Chelmsford to break the deadlock with well timed pass from experienced midfielder Ben Farmer finding the stick of Josh Mepham who coolly slotted it past the advancing Ipswich goalkeeper.  Keen to extend their lead before half time Chelmsford continued to push forward with some good passing moves. It was not long before the side were rewarded with a second goal as Australian striker Jeff Mills followed up on an earlier strike from Will Hales. With only minutes remaining in the half Chelmsford extended their lead to three with another well finished goal from Mills. The determined Ipswich side keen to get back into the game came out after half time with renewed vigour and looked threatening on a number of occasions. It was not long before Ipswich were rewarded with their first goal from striker Richard Stainthorpe. The Chelmsford side reasserted their authority on the game just minutes later with a penalty corner goal deflected into the net by defender Adam Hunter. Soon after Chelmsford were once again on the back foot as forward Shuhel Malik was sent off for what was judged to be a deliberate professional foul. Ipswich later capitalised on their numerical advantage with another goal from Richard Stianthorpe.  It did not take long for Chelmsford to reply as a good attacking move resulted in a penalty corner. Chelmsford hours of set play practice was clearly evident as a slick move saw Mills complete his hat-trick. Although the game looked out of the grasp of the Ipswich side they did not give up and once again scored through some good counter attacking play. Encouraged by the vocal travelling supporters Chelmsford responded with another goal as some impressive individual skill saw Olly Wickham beat a couple of defenders before laying the ball to Josh Mepham to score his second goal of the game. It was the Ipswich side who were to have the last word as they slotted home a consolation goal in the last few minutes of the match. The game ended 6-3 with the Chelmsford team in high spirits as they had preformed well to win what was always going to be a tough battle. With their place now secured in the National League Chelmsford look forward to the summer break and coming back next season to make a challenge on the top of the league. Photos courtsey of Chris Carter, more images are available through Chris's Picasa site. |
Partner of the Page Charltons
Chelmsford Hockey Club is proud to be sponsored by: Edmund Carr Chartered Accountants Website TNT Newsfast Website Brockmans Travel Website For further information about sponsorship please visit our sponsor's page. |
.jpg)
