IPSWICH have definitely avoided automatic relegation from the Slazenger Women's EHL following Saturday's win over Poynton.The 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Leisa King and Lizzy Aldous, was the only the Suffolk side's second league win of what has been a poor season.

IPSWICH have definitely avoided automatic relegation from the Slazenger Women's England Hockey League following Saturday's win over Poynton.

The 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Leisa King and Lizzy Aldous, was the only the Suffolk side's second league win of what has been a poor season.

They will now contend an end-of-season relegation play-off, while Chelmsford, who lost 3-1 at Clifton, have finished rock-bottom and will definitely be relegated to the Conference East.

Ipswich will now travel to Chelmsford next Saturday to play an inconsequential local derby before the Suffolk side contest a play-off involving the Conference West, East and North champions.

Meanwhile, the fate of Ipswich's men's side remains in the balance following the penultimate round of league fixtures. A 6-1 defeat at Holcombe means that the Conference East's rock-bottom side will almost certainly have to beat fellow strugglers and local rivals Chelmsford at Tuddenham Road next Sunday to avoid dropping out of the National League.

For full match reports from this weekend see Thursday's Evening Star or look on the hockey section of www.eveningstar.co.uk.