Newmarket
travelled to high-flying Ipswich & E-S knowing that the 2nd
placed team would give them a very tough game indeed, the visiting
team having not only lost all away games so far this season, had
also been unable to hit the back of the net either. Although captain
Neil Badcock was out of the side due to national duties, Newmarket
welcomed back experienced players Dave Badcock and Jimmy Robinson.
Deputised
captain Magnus Magnusson had the luxury of having 13 players in
attendance for an away game, a rarity for NHC these days, and opted
for an attacking 2-4-4 formation.
The first half
began with some delightful hockey and some excellent possession and
good distribution was on display by the guests. While both teams had
opportunities to score, it was the hosts who made the most of their
chances. A rare mistake at the back by Duncan Freed let in their
striker to slot past Newmarket’s advancing under-18 East goalkeeper
Dan Brown.
An inspiring
team-talk at half time galvanised the whole team into action for the
second half. Simon Greenwood and Adam Gallop penetrated down the
right creating good opportunities for Ian Starling. County prospect
Josh Dawson and Badcock displayed wonderful stick work to outwit the
Ipswich team and it was the latter who won the short corner which
led to the equaliser. Chris Jefferson finished superbly after a nice
short corner routine.
Determined to
take more than a point home, Newmarket showed courage and commitment
as they ran their hearts out. Ian Brown and Alan Spidy worked well
down the left holding up Ipswich counter-attacks and Barney Bowens
also made his presence known as he helped with distribution forward.
Immense and
relentless pressure led to further chances but as these chances were
cleared, a series of counter attacks ensued for Ipswich. Were it not
for Magnusson with some superb tackles and Brown in goal, the final
score could have been a very different outcome.
With ten minutes
to go, Newmarket went 2-1 up thanks to another well worked short
corner routine and it was Jefferson who notched his second of the
game.
As time ticked
on, Ipswich threw everything into attack, however, from one of their
opportunities, the ball was cleared and Newmarket countering, found
themselves with another short corner. With two minutes on the clock,
man-of-the-match Jefferson made it three and completed an
astonishing second-half hat-trick!
‘If Newmarket
played like this every week there is no doubt that they would be one
of the promotion contenders. Breathtaking build-up play and utter
commitment was the main factor of Newmarket’s triumph!’ commented
webmaster Jimmy Robinson.
|
Pos |
After game |
PLD |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
PTS |
|
2 |
Ipswich |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
14 |
8 |
13 |
|
7 |
Newmarket |
6 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
