MEN'S HOCKEY: Purley 3 Ipswich 5. Ipswich Men continued their positive pre-season campaign with a convincing victory over Southern Premier League counterparts Purley Walcountian.

MEN'S HOCKEY

Purley 3 Ipswich 5

Ipswich Men continued their positive pre-season campaign with a convincing victory over Southern Premier League counterparts Purley Walcountian.

Ipswich took the game to their hosts and positive attacking play paid off within five minutes when a slick move involving James Smith and Matthew Stainthorpe put Simon Miller through on goal and the experienced midfielder made no mistake from close range.

Ipswich continued to press the home defence and their second came just two minutes later with a well-worked set-piece giving Richard Fox time to strike the ball past the hapless keeper.

Ipswich increased their lead through a glorious short corner strike from their newly acquired sweeper, James Walker.

The ex-Felixstowe player has performed admirably for Ipswich since his summer move, as has his twin brother, Matthew, whose switch from local rivals Ipswich East Suffolk has strengthened the Ipswich midfield.

Indeed it was Matt Walker whose penetrating run on the left gifted Fox his second goal on the stroke of half time.

Purley's quality began to shine through in the second half and they managed to pull two goals back following defensive blunders involving Asif Rais and goalkeeper Stuart Hendy.

Ipswich weathered the storm and scored their fifth courtesy of a devastating counter attack. Rais made up for his earlier indiscretion by finding Oliver Holloway deep in the Purley half.

Holloway spread the ball wide left to Fox who in turn found James Smith with time and space to fire the ball home for his first goal for the club.

Purley scored late on in the game to make the scoreline vaguely respectable.

Ipswich skipper Fox can feel pleased with his side's all round performance but in particular to newcomers Smith, Holloway, Stainthorpe and the Walker twins.