TUDDENHAM Road plays host to its second from last Slazenger EHL National South Division Two match of the season on Sunday. The visitors are Firebrands, who make the long trip east from Bristol for a 2pm start.

TUDDENHAM Road plays host to its second from last Slazenger EHL National South Division Two match of the season on Sunday. The visitors are Firebrands, who make the long trip east from Bristol for a 2pm start.

Firebrands currently lie three points and one place above Ipswich with a far superior goal difference. The Bristol side have had mixed results this season, beating Indian Gymkhana when they were second in the table but also receiving a heavy defeat against second-bottom St Albans. The last meeting between the two teams was a hefty 9-3 defeat in favour of Firebrands - a scoreline which doesn't suggest how the match actually played out.

Sunday's fixture, however, will prove to be a very tough game for the Suffolk side, who are missing a host of key players. Scottish goalkeeper Andy Middleton is on international duty, top goascorer Keir Dixon is away on business, and Richard Evans has family commitments. Despite these losses, the home side welcome Will Hearne, Ben Glading and Mark Wrinch into the squad.

Although missing several key players, Ipswich will know Firebrands are a team who they could take points off and secure their National League future.

No points will mean the pressure will stay on until those vital fixtures against strugglers St Albans and Oxford Hawks.