Hockey: Ipswich need Lister in mint condition

IPSWICH, the champions and early pacemakers in the Premier Division of the Women's National League, tomorrow visit Slough, the present leaders, in a match which is likely to be won in midfield. Ipswich, who are third, will be looking to England's captain, Sandie Lister, to provide the inspiration for which she is renowned, writes Bill Colwill.

Karen Brown, Slough's captain, who retired from international hockey after her Olympic bronze medal in Barcelona, has dominated Slough's achievements this season with a string of outstanding performances. She scored the equaliser in last season's cracking

2-2 draw between the clubs after two goals from Helen Bray had given the Suffolk club the edge.

Second-placed Balsam Leicester visit Clifton and should return with three points. Ealing, who in spite of their impressive array of internationals, are struggling in bottom place, make the long trip to Hightown who, after an indifferent start, have come good in the last couple of games and on current form should be too good for the West London club.

In the First Division, Doncaster, yet to register their first League win of the season, visit Bradford Swithenbank in a northern derby but will not include their recent signing, Anna John, the Welsh Under- 21 striker.

On Sunday, 82 clubs will contest games in the second round of the All England Women's Hockey Association Cup, hoping to make their way into Monday's third-round draw with the 24 National League clubs.