WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Gravesend 1 Ipswich Ladies II 1. It was definitely a case of a game of two halves for the Ipswich team as they fought back to earn a draw in the Premier Division of the Printwize East League.

Gravesend 1 Ipswich Ladies II 1

IT was definitely a case of a game of two halves for the Ipswich team as they fought back to earn a draw in the Premier Division of the Printwize East League.

Goalkeeper Hannah Robinson suffered a hip injury at the end of the first half with the Tuddenham Road team trailing and was unable to continue.

Defender Hayley Spooner donned the keeper's kit and with some serious juggling of positions Ipswich started the second half with a new look. Spooner turned out to be the ideal candidate for the keeper's role and an inspired save from her ten minutes from time was worthy of any natural keeper.

Ipswich started the game on the back foot and for the first 15 minutes struggled with dealing with the harrying approach of Gravesend. However they began to settle and with Jo Jo Andersson marshalling the defence, Ipswich began to move the ball around with confidence.

Gravesend were nothing if not tenacious and when their short corner shot was initially saved by Robinson, they made no mistake with the rebound that was lifted over the prone keeper.

Despite their forced changes Ipswich started the second half brightly and began to dominate the midfield. Good link up play by Emma Millar and Jane Cook led to the latter unleashing a firm shot that the keeper could only parry to Lucy Philp, who made no mistake from close range.

Ipswich were now controlling the game and Jo Gray was unlucky to see her reverse shot saved after some initial great skill.

The final drama of the match was the reflex save of Spooner to make sure that a battling Ipswich team left Gravesend with a much deserved point.