East Premier A Old Loughtonians 0 Ipswich 4 Ipswich sealed the league title and promotion back to the National League with a clinical 4-0 win over bottom of the table Old Loughtonians, writes Emma Millar.
The Suffolk side started brilliantly and within six minutes were ahead, Micha Knowles scoring with great shot that took a deflection off a Loughts defender and flew into the net.
Despite taking such an early lead Ipswich were not playing at their fluid best and Loughts started to try and get a foothold in the match but some good work across the Ipswich lines denied them time on the ball.
The home side did win two penalty corners in the first half but Ipswich’s defence is top class and half-time saw the score remain 1-0.
As usual coach Mariette Rix had some words of wisdom for her team and within 28 seconds of the re-start Ipswich had extended their lead.
Ipswich stole the ball on the 25 yard line then Sarah Daley, Lizzy Aldous and Chloe Williams combined to leave Williams with a tap in.
Ipswich were now totally in control and it was a matter of time before more goals came. Cards also arrived – one for Ellie Scott and then two in a row for Loughts.
Ipswich then extended their lead through co-captain Lucy Dunnett, another deflected strike from a penalty corner. Then with time running out player of the match Knowles scored the fourth and final goal, a clever lifted finish over the GK.
The final whistle confirmed Ipswich as league champions and more importantly secured their return to the National League.
The Suffolk team have been absent from the top leagues for two seasons but next year will be their 28th season in total in the National League.
“It has been an amazing season so far,” said coach Mariette Rix. “To win the title with two games to go is a great achievement and we have enjoyed the moment but we intend to re-focus on our remaining two matches and finish the season in style”
Ipswich play Sevenoaks 2 on Saturday and West Herts on Sunday, both at Tuddenham Road.
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