Oxford Hawks' recent poor run in English League Division 2 continued as they lost 3-2 at newly-promoted Ipswich.

Hawks started Sunday's game the slower of the two teams and, as has been apparent this season, appeared vulnerable on the break.

They conceded after five minutes when they lost possession just inside their own half and Ipswich were quick to punish the error despite a desperate lunge on the line by Richard Fogden.

Four minutes later, after some decent possession play and hard work by Simon Dawson in the Ipswich D, Ed Baldock levelled the score.

But the Oxford side were guilty of making the same mistake again, and were unable to cover for a loss of possession inside their half.

The task of getting back into the game became much more difficult when a misunderstanding between Tim Newton and Baldock on an attacking short corner led to Ipswich racing the length of the field and, in three passes, scoring their third.

In the second half, Hawks rallied and played much better, creating several chances, although Simon Dawson always seemed to plough a lone furrow up front.

With ten minutes to go, Dawson finally got his reward when he finished well from the top left of the D, but Hawks were unable to force an equaliser.