The M2's showed why they belong in the East Area Premier league with a fine battling performance against league leaders Ipswich 1s.

From the start, Loughts took the game to Ipswich, kept the ball well and were rewarded with a goal after 12 minutes when a long ball picked out Harry Kempe behind the Ipswich defensive line who feinted right to round the keeper but then passed it left to Harry Norris who made no mistake in thumping the ball into the back of the Ipswich goal.

Ipswich, with some fast forwards responded strongly and were awarded a string of short corners which Freddie Goddard in the Loughts goal kept out well assisted by brave defensive running out to close down the Ipswich shots.

As half time approached Loughts had a further attack which unfortunately was broken down and a long ball out found Myles King free on the half way line and he raced forward to score. Half time 1-1.

The second half proved to be similarly tight. Ollie Davies and Jacob Jayaraj were calm in defence and Andy MacGregor a regular threat in midfield. Loughts had an excellent chance to go 2-1 up after a flowing move but the final shot sneaked past the left post.

Loughts were left ruing that miss as Ipswich scored twice in quick succession through Oliver Cook and James Ward. One a long aerial tapped in from overhead and the other a neat pass into the goal.

Loughts enjoyed a period of pressure but whilst creating a number of good chances could not find a clean finish. At the other end Goddard made a couple of excellent saves to deny Ipswich.

Loughts persisted and nearly scored a consolation goal at the finish from a late short corner but it was not to be. Congratulations to Ipswich who played well and consolations to Loughts who matched Ipswich throughout and deserved to get something from the match.