The England Hockey League season reaches its halfway point this weekend, with Surbiton Ladies still one point ahead of second-placed Ipswich in the Conference East, after the teams drew 1-1 at Sugden Road on Saturday.

They are also in the Women’s Cup quarter-finals, after a 5-1 win at East League leaders, Maidstone, on Sunday.

On 20 February, Surbiton have a home tie with Premier Division side, Reading. Maidstone fell behind in the fifth minute, Vicky Bryant converting a penalty corner, and by half time, Surbiton led 3-0, Caroline Ford and Abi Robinson adding open play goals in the 20th and 27th minutes.

Emma Rowland-Jones scored Surbiton’s fourth goal from a penalty corner in the 40th minute, as the teams had to contend with heavy rain.

Maidstone didn’t give up, and were rewarded with twenty minutes remaining, Cara Jones scoring their consolation goal from a penalty corner to delight the home supporters.

Two minutes later, Bryant scored her second goal of the game to complete the scoring and send Surbiton into the quarter-finals for the second season running.

The previous day, Surbiton were disappointed that they failed to beat Ipswich at home.

The visiting defenders were put under pressure, conceding long corners; and Helen Grant just failed to score as the ball went agonisingly past the left post.

Rowland-Jones broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, with a penalty corner conversion.

Ipswich equalised in the 41st minute, with an attack starting in their own half, Chloe Hunnable finishing off the move.

Two minutes later, Surbiton had the opportunity to regain the lead, a penalty stroke awarded after Vicky Bryant’s stick was taken away in the circle. However, Rowland-Jones, who had previously scored from the spot at Horsham, could only send the ball past the left post.

Surbiton visit ninth-placed St. Albans on Sunday, push back 1.30 p.m.