HOCKEY: Nottingham 3 Ipswich 1. A HAT-trick by Rob Kilpatrick, his first of the season, condemned Ipswich to another defeat in Division Two of the English Hockey League.

Nottingham 3 Ipswich 1

A HAT-trick by Rob Kilpatrick, his first of the season, condemned Ipswich to another defeat in Division Two of the English Hockey League.

With Oxford Hawks winning again, the Henley Road side have now slipped to third from bottom and need to start putting a run together if they are to avoid being sucked into a relegation dogfight.

Nottingham, who joined the division at the same time as Ipswich two years ago, struck first after just three minutes when the visitors were caught napping at the back from a free-hit which Kilpatrick deflected home.

Ipswich's fighting qualities came to the fore despite the early setback and Richard Fox equalised after 20 minutes with a shot that beat the keeper on his near post.

The visitors were creating chances but unable to convert them and they paid the penalty six minutes later when a defensive error saw Kilpatrick pounce again.

Chris Palmer was in the act of getting the ball out of his own circle but overran it which left the Nottingham striker with the simple task of beating Stuart Hendy.

Disappointed to be behind at the break, Ipswich tried hard to get back on terms and came close when Oliver Didham fired a rebound over the Nottingham bar.

Several other chances went begging and Ipswich paid the final price when they were caught on the break as Kilpatrick rattled home the winner with 11 minutes left.

As in previous games, Ipswich had a great deal of possession but the final pass was again missing as the majority of their moves broke down as they approached the home side's circle.