City of Peterborough Mens 2nd XI 3 - Magpies Mens 2nd XI 1


Safety not assured yet for Mens 2nd XI despite good effort

Magpies travelled to Peterborough for a tricky encounter with a side battling to claim the East Prem B title and promotion, and a late pm start did not help matters for the visitors.

With twelve in the squad including the returning Quentin Baynes from suspension, Pies also gave a 2nd XI début to Rob Turnbull with a welcome return of Hamish Barton at right back.

Pies started well and dominated aspects of initial play, soaking up continual pressure from the strong home side. The visitors took the lead, much to everyone's surprise, with a fumbled effort at the back post from forward James Baker who almost managed not to score his 7th of the season. This did not amuse a well-drilled Peterborough side, who fielded several of their 1st team bench players in a strong squad. They pushed to win numerous corners throughout the encounter, and one straight strike ricocheted up over keeper Lane to hit the cross bar and the young Peterborough forward dispatched an easy tap in for 1-1. Pies continued to push in the first half and had a few attempts from Tompkins, Fields and Kinsella, all just narrowly wide.

Half time brought a welcome rest as Pies pressed hard to keep the home side out as they went close with two great opportunities. On a warm day, water was a definite requirement and Pies skipper Martin Fields urged his side to keep up the pressing and hard work. However, despite some good work in defence another penalty corner resulted in a sweet reverse stick strike low past Lane and the postmen to make it 2-1 to the home side. Pies' cause was further hardened by Barton receiving a yellow card for what seemed like a decent below shoulder height take down, but the umpires did not agree. Ten men Pies fought hard to retain possession, with the defence of Baynes, Dyson, Taylor and Francis helping to keep it respectable while down. Barton soon returned but Pies let in a soft third to make it 3-1.

A great effort on a warm day, and with results around them not exactly going to plan, a must win game against Letchworth next weekend is on the cards for the 2nd XI.

Squad: Lane (GK), Barton, Dyson, Taylor, Baynes L, Baynes Q, Turnbull, Francis, Kinsella, Fields, Baker, Tompkins

MOTM: Hamish Barton

DOTD: James Baker

Surbiton 2 – Harleston Magpies 0

Magpies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk travelled to top of the table Surbiton knowing they would have to perform at the top of their game to compete with Surbiton's high tempo.

Surbiton dominated the early stages of the match, attacking the Magpies defence at pace looking to secure an early goal. Magpies defence had to be organised and alert as the Surbiton forwards electric pace and sharp stick skills continued to create problems for Magpies. Strong tackles and interceptions from Catherine Cranmer and some crucial saves from goal keeper Lisa Griffin kept Magpies in the game.

In the 28th minute Surbiton where awarded a penalty stroke because the ball struck a Magpies body on the way to goal. The stroke was converted by Becky Merchant.

Magpies started the second half at a higher intensity and secured greater possession of the ball. The forward line of Brook, Wheelhouse and Howland pressed the ball high up the pitch and forced errors from the Surbiton defence. A penalty corner strike from Frances Burrell produced a good save from the Surbiton keeper who had to react quickly to keep the rebound out.

Surbiton tried to extend their lead but where frustrated by the Magpies midfield of Jones, Burrell, Barber and player of the match Debbie Francis worked tirelessly to retain possession and find the forwards in space.

Magpies had three opportunities to get back on equal terms but were unable to convert these penalty corner opportunities. In the 68th minute Surbiton finally put the game out of Magpies reach when they scored their second goal of the game with a well worked penalty corner routine which was finished by Vicky Bryant.

This result means that Surbiton secure the East Conference title in only their second year in the league. Magpies will now look to finish the season strongly when they play Chelmsford at home on Saturday in their final league fixture.

"Relegation for battling Magpies"

Harleston Magpies men's 1st XI went in to their penultimate game knowing only victory would realistically give them any chance of avoiding automatic relegation from National League hockey. They welcomed Indian Gymkhana to Weybread, the team they had beaten in their only away win of this season so far. Gymkhana were themselves in need of one point to avoid any chance of being dragged into the play-offs for relegation.

The game started in wet conditions but with a very respectable crowd in attendance to cheer on the home side. Magpies started at full throttle and pressed the away side in hope of an early breakthrough. Unfortunately a huge aerial almost the whole length of the pitch resulted in an early penalty corner for Indian Gym. Jagdeep Gill stepped up and drag flicked a stunner into the roof to give Magpies an uphill struggle with only four minutes gone. Despite their position and some results, Magpies can never be criticised for their effort and immediately threw everything into attack. Great pressure and build-up play resulted in a number of penalty corners and after a couple of failed attempts, Ben Wright drilled one underneath the goalie to level the scores on 10 minutes. Magpies maintained their efforts and commanded much of the first half with only break-aways and long aerials on offer from the visitors. More pressure from Magpies and a great through ball by Richard Gill resulted in Tommy Graham finding Wright who causally bobbled a reverse stick shot over the advancing goalie. Advantage Magpies at half time with a 2-1 lead.

The second half started off with both teams having a fair share of the ball and, having dried themselves off, the crowd returned to witness what was building up to be a very tight game. Unfortunately for Magpies, another short corner was won by Gym and despite line man Mark Wheelhouse's best effort, his foot/body on the line resulted in a penalty stroke. Jagdeep Gill sent Reece Leonard the wrong way and the scores were level again. Only 3 minutes later the away side won another corner following some great stick skills from some of the Indian players and Jagdeep Gill again produced another perfect flick to put Magpies behind and further from their vital 3 points. The game however was nowhere close to over and Magpies gave their all to get the goals they needed. A messed up aerial from the back led to Peter Bale stealing into the circle and crossing for recalled Simon Hipwell to finish for the equaliser; he always saves his best games for Indian Gymkhana.

Magpies still needed more and they gave the away side no respite. With high pressing and excellent teamwork they managed to force a Gym player to knock the ball away after the whistle and the umpire duly gave a penalty corner. Top scorer Ben Wright produced another good flick from the top and Magpies were back in the lead with only 9 minutes left. The away side came back to life and responded themselves using excellent skills to advance on the home goal. Reece Leonard managed to save 2 short corners before a third resulted in a rebound landing to Pravinder Hanspal. He delivered a belter of an undercut into the roof of the Magpies net and again it was all square with 5 to play.

Unfortunately, despite all their best efforts, Magpies couldn't carve open a final chance and when the whistle blew the away side's joy was mirrored by heartache for Magpies. With Bromley managing a shock win to second-place Old Loughtonians, Magpies fate was sealed and a return to regional hockey became a reality.

Magpies have played 3 hard seasons in what is clearly not only the toughest but also the richest division of the National League conferences and, despite this always looking like a difficult season, the management team and the players should take credit for what this traditional club has achieved. The players have vowed to stick together and plot their return to this level next year. They complete the seasons fixtures away to big spending Holcombe next week.

Man of the match - Ben Wright

Magpies Ladies IV 1 - 0 Lowestoft Railway

After a closely contested match at Lowestoft back in November, Magpies were desperate to avenge their unfortunate one nil loss with the return fixture at Weybread at 12.15.

With the rain falling steadily, Magpies made a good start, determined to press on with their improved formation, and they made ground into Lowestoft's defensive D. After the opening exchanges the play settled down into an evenly contested first 25 minutes. Magpies passed the ball competently, communication within the team working well, and enjoyed some positive play, with Emily Parsons finding acres of space on the left wing. Bella Hall made an impression when she came on midway through the half on the right wing, and this seemed to galvanise the home side, and when frustration in the Lowestoft defence gained their left back a green card, Magpies won a short corner. Unfortunately Sarah Legg's strong strike was saved well by the Lowestoft 'keeper. As the half drew to a close the Magpies forwards pressed the away side back into the D blocking the 16 yard hits, but couldn't find the final ball.

As the rain fell heavier the second half started with a quickened pace, Magpies confident they could get the win they so desperately craved, and the home side certainly had the initiative on their side. The defence of Gina Scott, Treacle Griffin, Emma Tolhurst and an impressive Katherine Ridley held strong, and the midfield passed and linked up well with the forward line; Tina Neill playing the ball around in her pivoting central role. Forwards Kay Dennis, Jose Tibbenham and Rosie Blackmore pressured the Lowestoft 'keeper with shots, and Emily Parsons was just a fraction too late at the far post to give Magpies the lead. Some quality stick work from Bella Hall earned Magpies a short corner, and as she has done on numerous occasions Sarah Legg stepped up and fired the ball past the 'keeper, giving Magpies a deserved lead. And the home side continued to push forward, Kay Dennis going close twice, before a lovely cross from Legg saw Dennis brilliantly saved with the Lowestoft 'keeper diving low to her left. Magpies held strong, and with the final whistle came an excellent victory.

A fantastic, hard fought performance from all 14 players involved today, and hopefully this will give the squad a much needed boost going into their final two games.

Lets finish the season on a high ladies!



Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th's.

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1ST TEAM WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk are away this Sunday in their penultimate League game of the season against the League leaders Surbiton with the match starting at 2.00pm.

After four successive wins and a draw Magpies good run came to an end last Saturday, when they lost 2-1 at home to second placed Sevenoaks. Magpies came so close to pulling off a great result last week and if they had taken their chance early in the second half to go 2-0 up they might even have come away with three points. In the end Sevenoaks came back very strongly and two late goals left Magpies with nothing.

This Sunday Surbiton away presents Magpies with their toughest match of the season. If Surbiton win they will clinch the League title, as Sevenoaks will not be able to catch them. Surbiton have won 13 drawn 2 and lost 1 in what could turn out to be a great season for them. Magpies lost 4-0 at home to Surbiton earlier in the season so Magpies will need to apply themselves with the same attitude they showed against Sevenoaks to show how much they have improved in the second half of the season.

SQUAD : Frances Burrell (capt), Lisa Griffin, Katrina Warnes, Louisa Greenacre, Lauren Barber, Lizzie Jones, Sarah Brook, Lucy Miller, Jess Howland, Hannah Palmer, Angie Wheelhouse, Emily Wilford, Catherine Cranmer and Debbie Francis.

Magpies fight for National League survival

Magpies picked up a vital point in London last weekend when they secured a draw against Teddington. With Bromley and Beckenham winning, Magpies slipped to the foot of the table some two points below Bromley with two games to play. Bromley’s outstanding games are against two sides sitting in the top four of the table and it leaves Magpies needing to win their game against Indian Gymkhana on Saturday and Bromley to lose both their games to put Magpies in the play off position .A draw by Bromley would put both sides on the same points with Magpies having an inferior goal difference.

There are remaining injury doubts over Stuart Leate ,Mark Stacpoole and Elliot Smith are not available, but Will Blyth joins the squad.

Whilst Magpies put in some disappointing performances prior to the league break their recent form has been good and with Gymkhana’s results being extremely mixed one can only hope for a result on the day. With the visitors making a long trip and Magpies urged on by their crowd a convincing home win is more than possible.

Squad from; Richard Gill;;Andy Bedwell; Pete Bale; Richard Ling; Sebastian Knights; Tristan Baynes; David Ling; Rees Leonard; Ben Wright; Leigh Sitch; Mark Wheelhouse(Capt); James Fanger; Rhodri Furlong; Tom Graham; Stuart Leate; Will Blyth.