Magpies Preview

Magpies Happy With a Point

Magpies returned from their visit to mid table Oxted with a point following a spirited fight back, after the Surrey side had taken the lead in the first half. The home side had won the league last season but were unable to win through play offs to the Premier Division. Whilst Magpies first half performance was a little disappointing they were happy to turn round at half time with only a single goal deficit. With Richard Gill still out injured full backs Wheelhouse and Ling played well with Keeper Harms as dependable as ever. Tristan Baynes ,deputising for Gill , and Stuart Leate also played significant parts .

Magpies have now completed half of the season with losses to only the top three sides, if only one or two of the three draws had been a victory then the position in the table would look very good.

This Sunday Southgate visit Weybread 2.15 p.m. The London side sit third in the table having lost only three games,two to Leaders Old Loughtonians and second placed Canterbury, and Holcombe. Magpies have been the suprise team in the league this season and as return games come up sides will have worked on a strategy to nullify Magpies strengths. One feature they are unable to combat is the effect of the home crowd. Magpies crowds have been in excess of 120 with one reaching 230. Whilst sharing the players’ disappointment when leads have slipped all the home games have been wonderful adverts for the game with the clash against table toppers Old Loughtonians probably the best game ever seen at Weybread. The supporters have encouraged the team in all games and their numbers will be increased this weekend when club officials and helpers are being entertained prior to the game.Magpies are in the most competitive national regional league and their position at the break is very creditable.

Squad: From Richard Harms;Gareth Furlong;Mark Wheelhouse;David Ling;Leigh Sitch;Stuart Leate;Richard Gill;Pete Bale;Andy Hipwell;Tom Dunnett;Tristan Baynes;Duncan Graves;Neil Toulson;James Fanger;Simon Hipwell,Ben Gowing. Richard Ling.

Harleston Magpies Ladies 1 report

WOMENS ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

HARLESTON MAGPIES 0 IPSWICH 1

Harleston Magpies sponsored by Kitchen Sense entertained League leaders Ipswich in a top of the table clash on Sunday which saw Ipswich win a tight game and walk away with all three points. Magpies dominated the opening 15 minutes of the game and will look back on this period when they failed to take advantage of the situation. Magpies won two early penalty corners the first of which was badly executed whilst on the second attempt a combination of Angie Wheelhouse and Artemis Clark combined but failed to complete the move.

As always if you do not score while you are on top you are punished and this was exactly what happened. In their first real threat on the Harleston goal Ipswich were awarded a penalty corner and Charlotte Anderson scored with a penalty corner strike. Harleston continued to take the game to Ipswich but there was no real cutting edge to their play and despite creating pressure the Ipswich goalkeeper was rarely called into action.

Seven minutes into the game a tremendous cloud burst saw the game temporarily abandoned for ten minutes as it was impossible to play hockey in the conditions. The match was finally resumed in sunshine but the second half was a different game as Ipswich grew in confidence and the game flowed from end to end as the spaces opened up. Ipswich should have killed the game off when their forward shot wide in front of an open goal.

As the time edged away Harleston tried to gain some momentum driven on by Debbie McAllen in midield but the lack of forward movement allowed Ipswich to slowly strangle the game.

Next week sees Harleston Magpies away at Southgate on Saturday in their final League before the Indoor season starts. Magpies will be looking for an away win to cement a good first half of the season despite this defeat.

Harleston Magpies Mens 1st team match report

Oxted 1 - Harleston 1

Harleston made the long journey down to Surrey to face middle of the table Oxted. Their opponents had won the league last season but this years form would suggest that there would not be much between the two sides.

With Gill out injured Tristan Baynes filled in at bottom diamond and James Fanger returned to the squad after injury. Harleston started strongly pushing forward early. Magpies deserved to take the lead when Duncan Graves was released through the middle of the pitch, the youngster rounded the keeper before cruelly slipping resulting in his shot being forced wide. From here Oxted started to take control of the game - playing the ball long distances through the middle of the pitch catching Magpies off guard. Despite coming under pressure from a couple of corners the Harleston team hung on until 15 minutes when Oxted took the advantage when they slotted home at the back post.

Harleston tried to up their tempo but Oxted continued to move the ball round superbly, creating many overloads when possible putting the Harleston team under pressure. Harleston did create another great opportunity when Tom Dunnet caressed the ball into the path of Ben Gowin but again the forward found the keeper in great form keeping Oxted in front. Harleston hung on to the keep the score at 1-0 for the remainder of the half.

Harleston started the second half in better form moving the ball around and creating overloads of their owns. Despite seeing more of the ball Harleston could not create any more clear cut chances. Harleston were reduced to 10 men for 5 minutes following a crunching tackle from Wheelhouse, although numerically outnumbered Harleston started to create chances and with 10 minutes to go Harleston snatched a vital goal when Baynes followed up a short corner guiding the ball over the keeper into the net.

Both teams created chances in the last 10 minutes, Leigh Sitch heroically clearing the ball off the goal line at the back post and Hipwell forcing the Oxted keeper into another fine save. Harleston were satisfied with a point but need to improve on their first half performance before they face Southgate at home next weekend in their final match before the Christmas break.

Magpies Girls under 13 Minis tournament

Magpies under 13 girls played in their second tournament of the season and again managed to claim top position by winning all eight games. All teams played each other twice and Magpies scored an impressive 26 goals whilst conceding 1.

Results v Dereham B 1-0, 4-0 ; Watton 2-0, 4-0 ; Norwich City 2-0, 5-0 : Dereham A 5-0, 3-1.
Goal scorers Saffron Wilford 15, Kira Wooltorton 6, Charlotte Nickson 5

Team: Ellie O'Sullivan gk, Kira Wooltorton capt, Saffron Wilford, Charlotte Nickson, Sophie Long, May Bowden, Sophie Meynell-Anderson, Harriet Underdown

Ladies Development Team

Magpies Development Team moved back to top position on goal difference from Norwich City after recording an emphatic 8-0 win against Pelicans. After a cautious start Magpies scored goals at regular intervals and went in at half time leading 3-0 through Paris Wood (2) and Kelsey Horlock. A quick fire hat-trick from Kira Wooltorton early in the second half really hit Pelicans hard and with Kira soon adding her fourth and Charlotte Nickson scoring her first league goal Magpies recorded their second highest win of the season.

Results - Sunday 22 November 2009

LADIES 1s v Ipswich (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 0-1 L

Results - Saturday 21 November 2009

LADIES 2s v Bourne (L) (A) 1.30 2-0 W
LADIES 3s v Thetford (L) (A) 3.00 2-3 L
LADIES 4s v Yarmouth 2s (L) (A) 1.00 0-1 L
LADIES 5s v Sprowston 2s (H) 2.15 (W) 3-0 W
LADIES 6s v Dereham 4s (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 0-9 L
LADIES Dev. v Pelicans (L) (H) 10.45 (S) 8-0 W

MENS 1s v Oxted (L) (A) 12.30 1-1 D
MENS 2s v Norwich City (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 2-1 W
MENS 3s v Pelicans 2s (L) (H) 1.45 (S) 6-0 W
MENS 4s v Sudbury 2s (L) (A) 1.00 4-2 W
MENS 5s v Holt Harlequins (L) (H) 4.00 (W) 3-2 W
MENS 6s v Sudbury 4s (L) (A) 11.30 1-2 L
MENS Vets v Pelicans (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 6-2 W

Magpies Ladies 4th's Hockey Match Report

Yarmouth II 1 - 0 Magpies Ladies IV

A bright, clear day saw Magpies travel to Yarmouth, hoping to get back to winning ways after only picking up one point from their last two league games.
The home side certainly had the impetus in the opening moments, enjoying more of the possession with most of the play in the Magpies' defending half. However, Magpies did look dangerous on the break with their flowing midfield and forward movement, and towards the end of the half they had found their feet, attacking the Yarmouth goal, and were unlucky not to score, leaving the first half goalless.
The second half saw an early Yarmouth goal, a good strike from a well-worked short corner routine to give the home side the lead; a goal which was to be later debated as it was deemed the ball was too high as it crossed the line. However, the goal stood and Magpies battled hard to find the equaliser, with the defence staying strong and the midfield supporting the attacking play competently. But it was not to be, Magpies had several good shots on target but they just couldn't find the back of the net.
A disappointing result for Magpies, but their effort and commitment throughout the seventy minutes must be acknowledged, and all twelve players should be proud of their fighting contribution, with the defence deserving a special mention; Treacle Snelling, Sarah Legg, Liz Cole and Becky Ford making crucial tackles and interceptions and letting the rest of the team attack, and of course Kristina Erith, as usual a force to be reckoned with in the Magpies' goal. Bring on next week!

Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th's.

Christmas Shopping & Pamper Evening, Harleston, 10th December 2009

Christmas Shopping
&
Pamper Evening

at
The Swan Hotel
Harleston

Thursday 10th December 2009
from 7.30pm

Gorgeous gifts, beauty treatments,
gift wrapping, raffle, prize draw,
free ale tasting and more

In aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance
www.angliaone.org.uk

£5 in adv (tickets from the Swan or from Kerri on 01379 676695)
or £6.50 on the door

Free drink on arrival!

Thanks and regards
Kerri Worrall

MIKE'S MUSINGS - 17 November 2009

Table Topping Tussle

The highlight of the coming weekend's programme is undoubtedly Sunday's eagerly awaited top of the table tussle (12.30) between the Ladies' 1sts and Ipswich at Weybread. Magpies continued their excellent form last Saturday with a 1-0 win (Angie Wheelhouse's eighth goal of the season) over Old Loughtonians at Chigwell while Ipswich maintained their unbeaten record and one point advantage by beating St Albans 3-2. With just four goals against Magpies have, with Leicester Ladies, conceded fewer goals than all the other teams (men and women) in the national league. It is to be hoped that Sunday's match will attract a large crowd of supporters to cheer Magpies to a famous victory over our near neighbours.


Before then the Men's 1sts will have travelled to Surrey on Saturday to take on Oxted who are beginning to show some of the form that won them the league title last year with just one defeat. After matching league leaders Old Loughtonians for much of the first half last Sunday, during which Andy Hipwell scored his seventh goal in eight matches, the team rarely showed as an attacking force after the break to lose for the first time at home since going down to Ipswich 2nds 4-1 on 20 January 2007 – a truly remarkable record.

Last Saturday at a wet and windy Weybread the Ladies' 4ths played out a 0-0 draw with Norwich Dragons 3rds before the Ladies' 2nds were extremely unlucky to lose by the only goal after dominating for much of the time against City of Peterborough while the Men's 6ths played well in spells to beat Ipswich Crane 2nds and the Men's 4ths went down 4-1 to an in-form Gorleston team. Their cause was not helped when Giles Flatt had to go to hospital after taking a nasty hit in the face. Fortunately he was able to play the next day when the U16 Boys played extremely well to lose by the odd goal in three away to an impressive City of Peterborough side in the EH Cup.

Weybread was far busier, warmer and drier on Sunday when four of our teams were in EH Youth Cup action. The U16 Girls failed to take their chances before going down 3-0 to Ipswich while the U18 Boys played out a cracker of a game against Chelmsford which became a battle of the penalty corner takers. This was eventually won by Ben Wright for Magpies in a splendid 5-4 win but not before some poor tackling by the home defence gave Chelmsford the chance to snatch victory with their 'shortie' prowess. Meantime the U18 Girls eased to a comfortable 6-0 win over Dereham and the U14 Boys played well to beat Saffron Walden 4-3 and to come from two goals down at half time to draw 3-3 with Norwich City in their league format event. Away from home the U14 Girls reached the East stages of their competition with a good 3-1 win at Spalding with two of the goals coming from Catherine Kilbourn to add to the remarkable five she scored for the Ladies' Development on Saturday in their 5-0 win away over North Walsham.

This Saturday the home matches include the Men's 2nds who play Norwich City (12.30) following their return to winning ways with a 4-3 win at Long Sutton last Saturday and the Ladies' 5ths who play Sprowston 2nds (2.15) after their 5-3 win over Broadland 2nds. Also at home will be the Men's 3rds, 6-1 winners over Norwich Dragons 2nds last week, who play Pelicans 2nds (1.45) who are just behind them in third place so a tough game is in prospect. Good luck to all our teams in action this weekend (please see the Home Page of the website for the full programme) including the U11 and U13 Girls in Sunday's Minis Tournament at Weybread (9.30).

I am very sorry to record the retirement of Tom Sumner from the outdoor game. Tom has been suffering from a back injury since before the end of last season and it has been slow to respond to treatment. However, the good news is that Tom hopes to be able to continue to play for the indoor team. Tom joined the club from Norwich City HC as a sixteen year old seven years ago and he has played a vital role in the development of the 1st team ever since playing mainly as a wing back. He was a member of the U18 squad which won the national indoor championship and as captain he has helped to guide the indoor team from the East championship to the national premier division. Tom has given tremendous service to the club in both forms of the game and it is to be hoped that he will be able to continue to play an important role for the indoor team.

News and comments in brief

· Congratulations to skipper Simon Bardwell who scored the vital first goal for the Veterans last Saturday in their 5-2 win over Norwich Exiles. He couldn't remember who scored the other goals! Perhaps he will by the time they entertain Pelicans this Saturday (12.15). Simon fancies himself as a cook and I must say he produces some excellent curry and chilli.

· Due to the demands of her new regular job Katy Osborn has had to stand down from her part-time job behind the club's bar. I take this opportunity to thank Katy for the excellent job she has done and to wish her well for the future. Katy knows that she will always be very welcome when she is free to pop in to see us.

· Please note your diary for the Ferret Racing and Bangers & Mash Night to be held in the clubhouse on Saturday 5 December. Further details to be announced shortly.

With kind regards and best wishes

Mike Denham 01603 506925 MDenham975@aol.com 17/11/09

Magpies Preview 21 Nov

Magpies Travel in Search of Points

Magpies worked really hard in their home game against league leaders Old Loughtonians but could not prevent a home loss. The Essex side were by far the best side Magpies had played all season and although Magpies took the lead Old Loughtonians had strength in depth which Magpies could not match finally losing 1-3. Magpies were without Tom Sumner who has been battling with a back injury all season ,and has decided to retire from outdoor hockey. Richard Gill was also absent through injury and James Fanger also sustained an injury in midweek. Despite losing these players to injury Magpies put on a fine team display with Mark Wheelhouse, David Ling, Tristan Baynes and Richard Harms outstanding in defence. Stuart Leate stepped into left midfield instead of Baynes and he too had a fine game. For this week’s trip to Oxted Richard Gill is expected to be fit.

Oxted’s league record is similar to Magpies although they have scored four more goals but have let in eleven more,the most interesting result being a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Holcombe. The Surrey side have had some disappointing results this season as they won the league last season but were unable to win through play offs to the Premier League.

Squad from: Richard Harms;Gareth Furlong;Mark Wheelhouse;David Ling;Leigh Sitch;Stuart Leate;Richard Gill;Pete Bale;Andy Hipwell;Tom Dunnett;Tristan Baynes;Duncan Graves;Neil Toulson;Simon Hipwell,Ben Gowing;Richard Ling;Ben Wright

Mens 2s report

Harleston Magpies Mens 2s recorded their first win in 3 away to Long Sutton in a 4-3 victory which means they are still in 3rd place in Premier B. After a recent run of poor performances Magpies were looking to show that they're one of the top teams in the league by beating Long Sutton who were level on points with Magpies.

Magpies started the game the better of the two with some fast flowing passing hockey which was too good for Long Sutton as they struggled to keep up with the movement both on and off the ball by the magpies players. Magpies opened the scoring 10 minutes in when a deverstating from Simon Hipwell on the wing opened the space to the far post where Richard Ling was found to deflect home. Magpies quickly added a second when this time Rich Ling turned provider for Will Martin to slot home his 3rd of the season.

At halftime Magpies were comfortably 2-0 up and looked like they were going to score a hat-full more but it was Sutton who opened the scoring in the second half after miss-communication at the back led to 2 Sutton forwards being through 2v1 with Livings at the back, making it 2-1. Magpies quickly hit back with there third from Hamish Barton at a penalty corner, which he routinely put away. Magpies completed their scoring when Martin fields fired home after yet more good work from Simon Hipwell Set him up to fire past the keeper.

Despite being 4-1 down Long Sutton didn't give up and managed to pull two more goals back to end the match in a tense fashion although Magpies managed to hold out and gain 3 points. Man of the Match went to RK Kinsella for his dominant display at the top diamond and pulled the strings setting up plays for Magpies. Next up is league strugglers Norwich City at Weybread 12.30 whom Magpies defeated 6-0 in pre-season, although this match will be considerably harder.

Harleston Magpies Ladies 1 weekend preview

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kitchen Sense are at home this Sunday against League leaders Ipswich starting at 12.30. This fixture brings together a top of the table clash with Magpies one point behind Ipswich and only one goal separating the teams on goal difference. A win for Ipswich would see them increase their lead at the top, a win for Harleston would see them go top , whilst a draw would give third place Sevenoaks the chance to go level on points with Ipswich.

Ipswich have recovered well after being relegated from the Premier Division last season and with a mixture of youth and experience have led the East Conference League for most of the season. Magpies have recovered well from an opening game of the season defeat against Sevenoaks when everything that could go went wrong. Likewise Magpies have a good blend of youth and experience and on paper the two teams would appear to be evenly matched.

Magpies have definitely played their best hockey of the season at home looking more comfortable on the waterbased pitch and they will be hoping for a big crowd to give them every encouragement.

Despite winning at Old Loughtonians last week Magpies first half performance was disappointing and they cannot afford a repeat this Sunday if they want to win. Cherry Seaborn who was unavailable last weekend because of England U18 training returns to strengthen the squad and will certainly add a cutting edge to their play.


Probable Squad : Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Lucy Hayman, Lucy Fields, Bryony Lund, Katrina Warnes, Debbie McAllen, Ellie Bale, Frances Sumner, Calianne Clark, Cherry Seaborn, Verity Blyth, Jas Bartlett, Gemma Jones, Artemis Clark and Angie Wheelhouse.

Harleston Magpies Vets report

Norwich Exiles Vets 2 Harleston Magpies Vets 5

The tactical master plan of captain Bardwell of alternating the twelve outfield players, that were on his team sheet was short lived, when it was realised when one name appeared twice. Whether this was because the person in question has played in a variety of positions, often within five minutes, or an oversight we will never know. Before being too harsh on our captain it should be noted that one as famous as Sir Alec Ferguson once made the same mistake himself and picked Gary Neville for both full back positions. His blushes were spared by Gary bringing along his brother Phil.

Anyway to the game. Magpies started off in good form keeping possession and moving the ball around well. It was no surprise when they took the lead when a break by Roger Kent gave a shooting chance to Angus Watkinson. Although the goalkeeper made a fine save there was nothing to prevent Simon Bardwell putting in the rebound. An effort that the scorer embarrassingly over celebrated in the style of Paulo Wanchope scoring for Manchester City some eight years ago.

Magpies continued to dominate with their passing game. It was no surprise when the lead was doubled although the goal owed everything to the individual skill of Roger Kent rather than any team play.

Exiles refusal to track back when Harleston attacked did mean that if a Magpies move broke down then they out numbered the remaining Magpie defenders and from one such opportunity Murray Graham was forced to make a fine save.

In the second half further goals came from Angus Watkinson with two including one superb shot and Roger Kent. Exiles did have some consolation when ex-Magpie and ex most other clubs Peter Hogg scored from two short corners.

Next week Magpies are home to top of the table Pelicans who have a 100% record so far and then play them again two weeks later in the Veterans Cup.

U16 Boys Cup - Match Report

U16 BOYS CUP

City of Peterborough 2 Harleston Magpies 1

Harleston U16 Boys travelled to Peterborough with an untried squad to play a skilful and well-organised team who reached the National Finals of the U15 Cup last season with the same squad!

Following introductions an hour before the start, the boys then went on to produce a true team performance of skilful play and hard graft and only lost to a (soft) goal in the last five minutes, following the award of a harsh penalty corner, much to the relief of the home players and supporters.

After a goof penalty flick save from James Graham, Magpies opened the scoring midway through the first half when Henry Baldwin turned in a short corner variation. Then Peterborough scored soon after from a short corner. The game could have gone either way until the winning goal.

All the boys deserve great credit for a very entertaining match - for some their first game of the season!!

SQUAD: James Graham, Dominic Absolon, Giles Flatt, Alex Slater, Charlie Blandy, Sam Ashurst, Tim Alexander, Tommy Hobson, Will Blyth, Henry Baldwin, Tom Graham, Mitchell Tompkins

Norfolk Mini Tournament dates

NORFOLK MINI TOURNAMENTS

NOV 22 U11/U13 GIRLS @ Harleston Magpies

DEC 6 U11/U13 BOYS Rudds Tournament @Greshams

JAN 24 U11/U13 GIRLS/BOYS @Pelicans

FEB 28 U9s @ Watton

MARCH 7 U11/U13 GIRLS/BOYS @Watton

MARCH 14 U10/U12 GIRLS COUNTY FINALS @ Harleston Magpies

MARCH 21 U10/U12 BOYS COUNTY FINALS @ Greshams contact Graham Britton

MARCH 28 U9s @Pelicans

APRIL 17/18 U10/U12 GIRLS/BOYS CLUB EAST MINI FINALS

APRIL 18 U11/U13 GIRLS/BOYS AND U9s @ Dereham

Harleston Magpies U18 Girls Cup report

GIRLS U18 NATIONAL CUP

HARLESTON MAGPIES U18 GIRLS 6 DEREHAM U18 GIRLS 0

Despite being on top from the start of the game Magpies found it hard to break down the Dereham defence as they battled hard and any Harleston shots were well saved by the goalkeeper. Any frustrations Harleston were feeling disappeared after 25 minutes when two well struck penalty corner strikes by Bryony Lund made the score 2-0 at half time.

In the second half Dereham continued to battle away but the spaces were now opening up and Lucy Chubbock made it 3-0. At this point Bryony Lund was pulling all the strings in midfield which made it hard for the visitors to clear the ball effectively. Goals then quickly followed as Cherry Seaborn made it 4-0 and two goals from Jas Bartlett made the final tally 6-0. This was a promising start for the U18s in their first match playing together.

The next round will be played on Sunday Nov 29th.

Team: Cherry Seaborn (Capt), Calianne Clark, Lauren Barber, Amy Brook, Charlotte Catalano, Georgina Scott, Bryony Lund, Jess Withers, Laura Tibbenham, Verity Blyth, Lucy Chubbock, Emily Wilford, Rebecca Banham and Jas Bartlett.

Harleston Magpies Ladies 1 report

WOMENS ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

OLD LOUGHTONIANS 0 HARLESTON MAGPIES 1

Harleston Magpies sponsored by Kitchen Sense negotiated another difficult away game at Old Loughtonians taking all three points to maintain second place and maintain pressure on Ipswich the League leaders, who are one point ahead of them. This makes for an interesting top of the table clash at Harleston next Sunday 12.30 start, when Ipswich are the visiting team.

Magpies looked anything but a team in form in the opening seven minutes as they allowed Old Loughtonians to camp in their half and the Harleston defending lacked composure. In fact they were very fortunate not to concede a goal when Old Loughtonians shot hit the post and they managed to scramble the ball clear.

After ten minutes completely against the run of play Angie Wheelhouse disposed a ponderous defender and ran on to slot the ball home. This was the lift Magpies needed and they gradually eased their way into the game showing glimpses of the form they had shown the previous week. Jas Bartlett making her second League appearance covering for Cherry Seaborn who was away training with the England U18s, came off the bench and in a 5 minute spell twice left the Old Loughtonians left defence for dead but her two tantalising crosses just evaded the other Harleston attackers.

At half time Magpies knew that they needed to up their game if they wanted to win the match and fortunately despite the terrible weather conditions they gradually started to dominate the midfield. The home defence were now under pressure and Artemis Clark on the right gave them a testing time. As Magpies turned the screw the Old Loughts defenders were increasingly having their clearances intercepted and chances were becoming more frequent but the Magpies forwards just could not capitalise on these opportunities.

With the Magpies defence hardly being tested in the second half they had a rude awakening when from a rare home attack a terrific reverse stick shot crashed against the Magpies cross bar and away to safety. This let off was good for concentrating the minds but it was probably Old Loughtonians last chance of the match. As the water started to lay on the surface of the pitch there was briefly a danger of the match not being completed but fortunately the rain eased.

In the end Magpies ground out the result in the second half.

LADIES MAGPIES 3RD V BROADLAND 1ST - LOST 5-2

With two of the usual defence unable to play (Sophie Moore unavailable and Julie Podd unwell) Magpies knew that this game against this mature side would be tough. Bridget Cunliffe took on the role of sweeper and Sarah Legg stepped in as right defence. Magpies were immediately on the defensive as the Broadland midfield and forwards proved to be a strong and skilful combination and two early goals were conceded. Holly Baker got one back with a self-pass outside the circle and Broadland allowed her the shot which she fired into the net. This allowed the team to settle in very wet conditions and a short corner slip from Sarah Brook to Holly saw her score her second. Frances Taylor worked tirelessly in midfield with Holly and Becky Banham and Georgie Scott made a number of decisive tackles at the back but Broadland surged forward to score three more goals. With about ten minutes to go Holly received a blow to the forehead and had to go off and Magpies completed the game with only ten players and recorded their first loss of the season.

Lets hope the team can bounce back against Thetford next week (away!).

JULIE PODD
CAPTAIN

Ladies 5th Match Report

Broadland 2nds 3 Magpies 5ths 5

Magpies started strongly with three clear cut chances to score which were not converted. It was therefore a shock after two defensive errors to be 2-0 down. However a fight back was started by Keira Booty and Elizabeth Jones who equalised from a penalty corner on the stroke of half time. At the start of the second half Magpies again looked unsteady until Fiona Mackenzie gave Magpies the lead only for Broadland to equalise. This seemed to galvanise Magpies into action and they gradually took charge of the rest of the match with both Fiona and Keira scoring their second goals.

Harleston Magpies Mens 1st team match report

Harleston faced league leaders Old Loughts at home this Sunday. The away team arrived at Harleston unbeaten so far during the season, despite this Harleston were confident that they could get something out of the game. In a slightly changed team Baynes moved to bottom diamond with Gill injured and Leate stepped up to left midfield.

Both teams started well moving the ball across the pitch creating spaces when the opportunity arrived. Despite early pressure from Loughts at a couple of corners it was Harleston who took the lead when Baynes left a ball for Hipwell who turned at the top of the circle before smashing the ball in on his reverse stick.

With the crowd behind them Harleston grew in confidence and started to control the game around the back keeping the ball for as long as possible. Just before half time Loughts were reduced to 10 men but despite a corner of their own Harleston were unable to extend their lead.

With half time over Harleston knew Loughts were going to come after them, the opposition stepped up their press forcing Harleston backwards. The home team started to give the ball away too easily and were soon punished with a well taken slipped corner. Loughts did not stop pressing despite finding the equaliser and soon took the lead when James Steadman hit the base line before pulling the ball back to be smashed home with a first time shot past Harms. Again Loughts were reduced to 10 men but Harleston could not capitalise on the advantage and Loughts managed to extend their lead with another corner which Baynes originally stopped on the line only for the rebound to fall to an attacker to make the score 3-1.

Next week the team travel to Oxted on Saturday looking to turn their good performances into points. Again the team look to big performances from Harms, Wheelhouse and Ling who were superb on Sunday.

Results - Sunday 15 November 2009

MENS 1s v Old Loughtonians (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 1-3 L

U18 Boys v Chelmsford (EH Cup) (H) 11.15 (S) 5-4 W
U16 Boys v City of Peterborough (EH Cup) (A) 1.00 1-2 L
U14 Boys v Saffron Walden (EH Cup) (H) 1.00 (S) 4-3 W
U14 Boys v Norwich City (EH Cup) (H) 2.00 (S) 3-3 D

U18 Girls v Dereham (EH Cup) (H) 12.15 (W) 6-0 W
U16 Girls v Ipswich (EH Cup) (H) 10.15 (W) 0-3 L
U14 Girls v Spalding (EH Cup) (A) 11.00 3-1 W

Girls Under 14 Club Competition East League

Magpies girls under 14 team safely qualified for the regional finals by securing a 3-1 win against Spalding. In a game that never really flowed Magpies struggled to get their passing going and at the interval only led by a single goal from Catherine Kilbourn.

Magpies again started slowly in the second half and it was Spalding who deservedly equalised from a short corner. At this point the game could have gone either way but again it was Kilbourn that put Magpies ahead from close range after Kira Wooltorton's shot from a short corner was saved on the line. The game was finally made safe when Saffron Wilford scored Magpies third after good individual play down the left. Any further Spalding attacks were thwarted by resolute defending from Molly Alexander, Katherine Ridley, Frankie Eaves and Georgia Pearson and with Lizzie Jones again working tirelessly in midfield the team managed to secure a hard earned victory.

With Magpies having won their previous two games a fortnight earlier and finishing top of their league the girls now have to wait until April 11th for further cup participation.