Womens 1 Vs Ipswich 2 

Saints got a crucial first win of the season, defeating Ipswich II in a 5 goal thriller at Longsands. Saints dominated the opening period, but were struggling to make the breakthrough. Kelly Bingham had fired narrowly wide when clear and Saints short corner count was mounting. Kirsty McKenzie finally gave the hosts a narrow half-time lead, turning home at a penalty corner.

At the beginning of the second half, Ipswich gradually got a foothold in the game. They equalised when a forward was allowed to drive into the home circle and they seized on the resulting rebound. Worse was to come for Saints - from the visitors first penalty corner a strong strike was deflected on to Lisa Gibbie`s foot for a penalty stroke - which was calmly converted.

Would Saints first half profligacy in front of goal prove costly? The home side had other ideas driving forward with speed and intensity. Caz Osborne expertly turned home an excellent ball in to the circle and within a couple of minutes Emma Ritchie, making a most welcome return, broke forward and fired a deserved winner from the edge of the circle. This earned Emma Ritchie the unanimous player of the match plaudits, but it was a terrific, spirited, all-round display from the whole Saints squad.

Next week Saints will look to build on this promising performance when they make the short journey to face local rivals Bedford II.