Sevenoaks 5 – Harleston Magpies 2

Harleston sponsored by Hutton and Legg travelled to Sevenoaks for their last game of the season. The team knew that a point would secure them sixth place in their first season back in the National League.

The team travelled with a big squad with the management team all too aware that a few players were carrying injuries. Despite good preparation the team started slowly struggling to adapt to the movement of the Sevenoaks players. Harleston soon found themselves a goal down following a flowing move down the right the ball was pulled back to find a Sevenoaks player at the back post to slot home from a yard.

Harleston still struggling to find their feet soon found themselves another goal down when Gill was caught in possession in his own D. Harleston's plight was further hampered when Baynes had to limp off with injury. Despite the setback Harleston started to settle more and pass the ball around well, at times though it was the final pass or touch that let Harleston down. Sevenoaks soon extended their lead following another good move allowed an overlap which the Harleston defence could not cope with.

Harleston managed to pull a goal back when Jamie Legg forced the ball over the line following a good move down the right. Although the lift gave Harleston a boost at moving the ball around the team shipped another goal before the end of the half to restore their 3 goal advantage.



Harleston knew that they would have to improve on their first half performance to come out of the game with any result. Harleston started the second half the brighter side moving the ball around well creating opportunities but again their final touch let them down at crucial opportunities. Harleston pulled a goal back through Andy Hipwell when his short corner was dummied by Pete Bale sending the keeper the wrong way.

Although Harleston were enjoying more of the possession Sevenoaks were still a threat on the break and managed to restore their 3 goal lead when Harleston were caught short at the back following an attack of their own.



In what was undoubtedly their worst first half performance for nearly two years the team fought back hard in the second half. Despite the loss Harleston finished the season a very credible 7th in their first season back in the National League. The team can look forward to another good season next year as they have grown in confidence and experience this year.

The squad would like to thank their coaches Phil Cobbald, Robert Wagstaff, Bob Skinner, their player coach Richard Gill and their manager Robert Stimpson for all of their effort throughout the season.

Magpies completed their third match of the week, and following three wins, finished second in the Norfolk Premier League.

In a rearranged game on Monday Magpies played Norwich City and came out 3 - 0 winners. Lucy Chubbock and Hannah Linger scored in the first half and Keira Booty made it 3 nil. This was a solid team performance that saw Tania Pendriech play solidly at the back and some great team play by the midfield. Lucy and Holly Baker linked well up front and the team produced some free-flowing hockey resulting in a well deserved win.

On Saturday Magpies entertained Panthers in a much anticipated re-run of their match earlier in the season. This was definitely at match of youth versus more mature opposition and Magpies showed how much they had improved individually and as a team in completing a solid 3 - 1 win. Lucy Chubbock showed her individual skill to score 2 well struck goals and Sarah Brook returned from the second team to make it 3 - 0. Magpies conceded an unlucky goal near the end but held on for a good team performance.

For the final match of the season Magpies took on Pelicans 2nd Team on Sunday. As many regular players were playing county U16 and U17 some players from the 5ths stepped up to gain some valuable experience at a higher level. Despite the score of 1 - 0 (Sarah Brook), Magpies were always in control of this game but failed to score again despite many opportunities. Well done to the new recruits of Jess Howland, Fiona MacKenzie, Sophie Podd and Georgia Pearson who all played well in their first 3rd team match.

This has been an excellent season for this very youthful team which has played with only two adults all season with Frances Taylor playing a huge part in the team's success. Many players have made great progress in their hockey. Sarah Brook moved up to the seconds earlier in the season, whilst Lizzie Jones and Keira Booty established their places in the thirds having started the season in the fifths. The overall result of 13 wins, 2 draws and only 3 loses all season with 59 goals scored is a fantastic achievement. Well done to everyone!

Julie Podd

Captain

ENGLISH HOCKEY LEAGUE WOMENS EAST CONFERENCE

HARLESTON MAGPIES 2 SEVENOAKS 2

Sevenoaks arrived for the final League game of the season level on points with Ipswich at the top of the League with every intention of trying to win the League. Magpies after the disappointment of losing to Ipswich away last week made a very positive start to the match.

Sevenoaks were forced on to the back foot from the very first minute as Magpies put their defence under real pressure. Artemis Clark, Angie Wheelhouse and Cherry Seaborn up front gave the Sevenoaks no time on the ball as they pressurised their defence forcing them to make a number of errors.

Magpies were totally dominant in the first half but were not able to take their chances. Ellie Bale at right midfield was forced to leave the pitch after a nasty cut to her head from a stick. With two minutes to go to half time Magpies finally took the lead when Emily |Wilford was the first to react to a loose ball in the circle and scored with the reverse stick. This was nothing less than Magpies deserved.

Sevenoaks made a better start to the second half and Magpies were forced into defending a number of difficult situations, whilst Calianne Clark in goal was prominent with a number of useful saves. After 49 minutes Magpies increased their lead when Ellie Bale back on the pitch popped up in the Sevenoaks circle to make it 2-0. There only seemed to be one winner at this stage but Magpies lost concentration as Sevenoaks broke down the right and within a minute had pulled a goal back. Worse was to follow as Sevenoaks instantly won a penalty corner and levelled the scores. Two goals in two minutes had turned the game on its head.

With twenty minutes to go it was hard to predict how the game would go but Magpies regained their composure and the match finished 2-2. Magpies can reflect on a good season having finished fourth.

LADIES 3s v Pelicans 2s (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 1-0 W
MENS 1s v Sevenoaks (L) (A) 2.00 2-5 L
MENS 5s v Watton (L) (H) 12.30 (S) 6-0 W

Magpies girls completed a highly successful season with a comfortable 7-0 win over Pelicans. With Pelicans winning their last three games Magpies were expecting a difficult game but once again the girls rose to the challenge and totally dominated possession throughout.

Lily Felton gave magpies an early lead and this was soon followed by further goals from leading scorer Catherine Kilbourn (2), a fine team goal from Saffron Wilford and a penalty corner strike from Kira Wooltorton.

After the interval Magpies added two further goals again from Catherine and Kira.

Catherine's hat-trick took her goals tally to 23 for the season making her leading goal scorer in the league.

Twenty Five girls have represented Magpies in the Development league this season and all have been a credit to the club both on and off the field.

LADIES 1s v Sevenoaks (L) (H) 2.00 (W) 2-2 D
LADIES 3s v Panthers (L) (H) 12.15 (W) 3-1 W
LADIES 5s v North Walsham 2s (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 3-0 W
LADIES Dev. v Pelicans (L) (A) 10.30 7-0 W 7-0 W

MENS 2s v Letchworth (L) (H) 1.45 (S) 2-3 L
MENS 4s v North Walsham (L) (A) 4.00 3-1 W
MENS 5s v Thetford Town (L) (A) 3.00 0-2 L
MENS Vets v City of Peterborough (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 2-1 W

MENS 3s v North Walsham (L) (H) 7.30 (W) 6-1 W

LADIES 3s v Norwich City 2s (L) (H) 7.30 (W) 3-0 W

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1ST TEAM WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kitchen Sense play Sevenoaks at home in their final league game of the season starting at 2.00pm on Saturday. Whilst we normally play our home matches at 12.30, on the final day of the season all games have to start at 2.00 to ensure that in any critical promotion relegation matches no team has the advantage of knowing a result before they play.

Ironically Sevenoaks are very much involved in the promotion race as they are second in the League on the same number of points as League leaders Ipswich, but with an inferior goal difference of five. Ipswich face a tricky away game at Old Loughtonians.

After losing 1-0 away to Ipswich last week on a penalty corner Magpies have slipped back to fourth place behind Chelmsford and need a win this week to ensure that Horsham cannot over take them. Whilst the result last week was disappointing Magpies did not really do enough to break down the Ipswich defence. The second half was particularly difficult as we had a spell when we were down to ten players and then nine, which is not easy when you are trying to pull a goal back.

Sevenoaks will be a real test as they are going for the League title and have continued to improve throughout the season. Magpies will need to take full advantage of playing at home and if the midfield can provide the ammunition for the forwards they have every chance of pulling off a result.

Looking back on the season Magpies are currently two points better off than how they finished last season. However that does not tell the full story as defensively the team have improved enormously having so far conceded 14 goals compared with 30 goals last season. Magpies may well reflect at the end that a good season could have been a very good season if they had not dropped eight points against the struggling sides Northampton, Cambridge City and Southgate.

On Saturday Calianne Clark stands in for Lucy Hayman whilst Verity Blyth is not available.


SQUAD : Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Calianne Clark, Lucy Fields, Katrina Warnes, Bryony Lund, Charlotte Harrison, Ellie Bale, Debbie McAllen, Frances Sumner, Artemis Clark, Emily Wilford, Cherry Seaborn and Angie Wheelhouse

Magpies Play Season’s Last Game

Magpies , followed up their encouraging trip to Old Loughtonians with a home win against fourth placed Oxted. Oxted fielding a slightly weaker side than in the previous fixture defended well, getting away with a one nil defeat which they had their goalkeeper to thank for a string of fine saves, a game Magpies could well have won by a substantial margin. For their part Magpies also had unavailability problems Graves and Wright being unavailable and four other players suffering with injuries.

With Sevenoaks drawing and Magpies winning last weekend the Norfolk side edged above their Kent rivals.The final game of the season is a trip to Sevenoaks, this game deciding the final league positions. Magpies will go all out for a win although a draw would enable them to maintain their position of sixth.

Ben Wright ,unavailable through school commitments, returns to the squad with illness likely to keep Stuart Leate and Duncan Graves out of the travelling party. .

Squad: From Richard Harms;John Livings;David Ling;Leigh Sitch;Stuart Leate;Richard Gill;Pete Bale;Andy Hipwell;Tristan Baynes;James Fanger;Mark Wheelhouse;Simon Hipwell;Jamie Legg;Neil Toulson;Gareth Furlong;Ben Wright;Craig Snelling.

As we know one of the joys of hockey is that it is a sport for all ages and this was never truer than last Sunday when the club fielded teams with the ages of players ranging from under 10 to over 70!

So where better to start this week than with congratulations to the U10 Boys and U12 Boys, coached by Stuart Peters, for winning their respective Norfolk Championship at Gresham's School. And they did so with victory in all their matches with plenty of goals for and very few against. They now go on to represent the county in the East Club Minis Finals being hosted by the club over the weekend of Saturday/Sunday 17/18 April.

At the other end of the age range (although not all the players were over 70!) the Senior Veterans entertained England LX for their annual encounter expertly organised as usual by Tony and Sue Williams. Thank you Sue for the splendid luncheon! The visitors deservedly won 3-0 to make the overall record five wins apiece with two draws. The pace was fairly sedate (although some skilful hockey was played) and I couldn't help saying to John Pestell, the Magpies' right winger, that he was allowed to break into a walk if he so wished! It was an enjoyable game to watch in welcome sunshine and good to see some ex-HMHC regulars, such as Keith Alexander, Peter Halls, Les Howlett, Dick Ling, Dick Naunton and Kim Steggles, back in action in addition to Tony Williams playing as usual for the LX.

The day before, as part of another busy weekend at the club, the Ladies' 2nds did well to draw 2-2 with league champions Lowestoft and the play was a credit to the respective coaches (Jason Harness for Magpies and Clyde Camburn for Lowestoft) with Lauren Mickleburgh thumping in the penalty corner equaliser for Magpies with two minutes to go. Next up were the Men's 1sts who beat Oxted 1-0 in a match notable for another commanding game in the middle by Richard Gill and two outstanding goalkeeping displays – by Richard Harms for Magpies and by Ben Shorten for Oxted, with the latter playing surely the game of his life. Congratulations to Simon Hipwell for finding a way to beat Ben in the first half. Best wishes to Stuart Leate who was taken ill shortly before the match.

The highlight of the Men's 3rds 7-1 win over Bury 2nds was skipper/manager (and soon to be married) Mark Lewis coming off the bench for his first action of the season to convert a penalty stroke in fine style before immediately cart wheeling off the pitch – and we all thought he had a bad back!

Meanwhile the Men's 2nds were in generous form away to Ipswich 2nds allowing their opponents to progress from minus one point for the season to plus two (!) before returning to form on Sunday with a hard earned but deserved 1-0 win over Harpenden (in a match excellently umpired by Ray Allum and Trevor Norman) with leading scorer Robbie Kinsella converting a penalty stroke on his 30th birthday. Many happy returns Robbie!

Other news and comments in brief


§ Congratulations to Gareth Furlong (who has enjoyed an outstanding season for the 1sts) on being selected to represent Wales U18s against Scotland in a three-match series in Largs over Easter.

§ Well done to Andy Palmer who scored his first ever goal while playing for the 6ths last Saturday!

§ With the regrettable relegation of Dereham Men there will be no Norfolk team in next season's East Premier A – a sad decline in Norfolk hockey for those of us with fond and long memories of playing against Norwich Exiles, Norwich Grasshoppers and Norfolk Wanderers when all three sides were among the best in the East.

§ It would be a big boost to the club if Dereham Ladies take a point (or better) against Saffron Walden in their last game to win promotion to the national league after missing out so narrowly last season.

§ The Men's 5ths gained an excellent 4-3 win over league champions Ipswich Crane last Sunday with Craig Whipps converting a vital penalty stroke soon after accidentally hitting Rob Goodson in the face. Fortunately Rob is OK after being glued up in hospital!

§ Please note your diary with the End of Season Bash (disco and hog roast & pudding) to be held at the club on Saturday 8 May (7.30pm). Tickets – Adults £10 and U13 £5 – are available from the clubhouse bar.

With the exception of the Ladies' 2nds who play Ipswich 2nds on Saturday April 10 this weekend sees the end of another league season. On Saturday the Ladies' 1sts (after their narrow defeat at Ipswich) entertain Sevenoaks (N.B. 2.00) who still have a chance to overtake league leaders Ipswich while the Men's 1sts are away to Sevenoaks on Sunday (2.00) looking for at least the draw to enable them to stay above their opponents for an excellent 6th place. Please see the Home Page of the club's website for a list of all this weekend's matches. Good luck to all our teams.

With kind regards and best wishes

Mike Denham 01603 506925 MDenham975@aol.com 23/3/10

Magpies 1 – Harpenden 0

The one good thing that could be said after the defeat to Ipswich 2’s on Saturday, was that we only had to wait 24 hours to put things right. The home fixture against Harpenden was always going to be a tough game – they were on a good run of form and had drawn 2-2 with (soon to be promoted) Wapping on Saturday.

In summary, this was a tight match and although there were chances for both teams, there was only one goal. This was scored by birthday boy Rob Kinsella with a bullet penalty stroke into the bottom corner which nearly broke the backboards, following excellent hassling of the defence/keeper by Martin Fields.

The watching supporters will probably agree this wasn’t a classic, but the overall workrate was good against a Harpenden side who had excellent movement off the ball. They will probably feel they deserved a point, but on balance we were the better side.

The points tally for the weekend of 3 out of a possible 6 means we cannot now finish higher than 4th, but at least we put right some of the wrongs from the extremely disappointing result at Ipswich. Next week sees the final game at home against Letchworth, the team currently lying in 5th place. We lost the reverse fixture earlier in the season, so this should be a good game and an opportunity to finish the season on a high.

Magpies 1 – Ipswich 2

Magpies travelled to Ipswich to play the bottom of the table team. Ipswich had been confirmed as relegated some time ago and prior to Saturday’s match boasted a goals against tally of 139, a goal difference of minus 111 and a points total for the year of minus 1. We had actually only narrowly beaten them 2-1 at home, but the stats were well in our favour and on paper there was only one possible result..........

The end result of a 2-1 loss was therefore something of a disappointment.

Credit to Ipswich for achieving positive points territory for the season and lets leave it there.

Harleston Magpies 1 – Oxted 0

Harleston Magpies sponsored by Hutton Legg entertained Oxted in their last home game of the season. The squad welcomed back Tristan Baynes after injury and Gareth Furlong after international duty last weekend.

The defensive unit of Furlong, Ling, Wheelhouse and Sitch moved the ball around well, feeding the midfield in order to launch our attacks. Despite a couple of early chances for both teams Harleston were carrying the real threat and Andy Hipwell forced the Oxted keeper into a couple good saves following two short corners.

Despite all of the pressure Harleston were only able to convert a chance on 20 minutes when Simon Hipwell smashed the ball at the keeper only for the ball to fall back at Simon Hipwell's feet allowing him to slot home the rebound to double his National League tally for the season. Harleston created chances to double their lead but Hipwell senior fired straight at the keeper after riding three strong challenges with the rebound falling agonisingly wide of Sitch's stick for the rebound.

With a very open game in midfield full backs Wheelhouse and Ling even ventured forward, Wheelhouse unlucky not to get the return ball after a surging run, with Ling wobbling through defence and midfield finding Legg before returning to the safety of his own half.

Half time came with Harms only having to make a couple of saves from corners following his good organisational skills keeping Oxted at bay.

With Baynes' addition just before the break he started to control play at left midfield spreading the ball well and launching a couple of aerials over the top for Andy Hipwell to latch onto. Despite all of the pressure in the first half Oxted came into the game more in the second half, some of this caused by Harleston struggling to string short passes together.

With 15 minutes to play Oxted started to tire allowing Harleston to use their pace to unlock the Oxted defence, Jamie Legg had a reverse stick shot smartly saved before Baynes saw his rebounded effort deflect off the keeper's helmet. More chances fell to Harleston Bale unable to loft the ball over the keeper before Toulson was unlucky not to break his season goal drought with a deflection.

In a hard fought performance Harleston were able to hang on to their lead with some resolute defending. The win moves Harleston up to 6th place in the league with their remaining game next Sunday away against 7th place Sevenoaks. A win for Magpies would cement their 6th place in the league and stand them in good stead for next year.

WOMENS ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

IPSWICH 1 HARLESTON MAGPIES 0

Harleston Magpies made the short trip to League leaders Ipswich for this local derby game and as in the earlier encounter in the season lost 1-0 in a tight game to a penalty corner in the first half. Magpies started well enough in what was always going to be a competitive game with Ipswich needing all three points to maintain their lead over Sevenoaks, albeit on goal difference. Ipswich tested the Magpies defence with long passes from the back looking for their high forwards and this required the Magpies defenders Lucy Fields, Katrina Warnes and Louisa Greenacre especially to maintain maximum concentration to deal with any one on one situations that occurred.

Any chances Ipswich created came from penalty corners in the first half and three corners in quick succession proved pivotal in the context of the match, when they took the lead after about twenty five minutes with a deflected goal from the third penalty corner.

Angie Wheelhouse carried the main threat for Magpies in the first half with her stick work troubling the Ipswich defence but Magpies struggled with the final pass around the Ipswich defending circle and were unable to force the Ipswich goalkeeper into any meaningful action. One penalty corner opportunity in the first half unfortunately did not result in a shot.

Magpies turned round at half time with everything to play for as they looked for the equaliser whilst Ipswich went looking for the second goal to kill the game off. Magpies were confronted by the same problems they faced in the first half as Debbie McAllen and Frances Sumner in the middle tried to create some opportunities for the Magpies forwards to break down a very solid Ipswich defence. Suddenly their task became even harder as Angie Wheelhouse was yellow carded reducing Magpies to ten players. Just as Magpies were adapting to this situation another yellow card followed for Louisa Greenacre reducing them to nine. During this spell the whole team worked hard to contain Ipswich with Verity Blyth and Cherry Seaborn the two most forward players being required to do a tremendous amount of running.

By the time Magpies were back to eleven players time was running out but with Ipswich also suffering a yellow card with seven minutes to go there was a glimmer of hope to create a decisive scoring chance. In the end the Ipswich defence which had been solid all day were able to see out time comfortably.

Next week Magpies play second placed Sevenoaks at home starting at 2.0pm.

LADIES 1s v Ipswich (L) (A) 2.00 0-1 L

MENS 2s v Harpenden (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 1-0 W
MENS 5s v Ipswich Crane (L) (H) 12.30 (S) 4-3 W
MENS Vets v England LX (F) (H) 12.00 (W) 0-3 L

Norfolk U10/U12 Boys County Mini Finals (Greshams)
- Magpies win both events with 100% records

Magpies Girls secured another three points with a comfortable 3-0 win over Gt Yarmouth. All the goals came in the second half as Magpies finally broke down a resilient Yarmouth defence. Kira Wooltorton scored her thirteenth of the season from a short corner and this was soon followed by close range finishes from Sophie Long and Kara Kilbourn.

Frankie Eaves and Kelsey Horlock always threatened to extend Magpies lead with both going close on numerous occasions.

The girls travel to Pelicans on Saturday for their final game in what has been another successful season.

LADIES 2s v Lowestoft (L) (H) 12.15 2-2 D
LADIES 3s v Dereham 3s (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 2-5 L
LADIES 5s v Diss (L) (A) 2.00 1-1 D
LADIES 6s v Loddon 3s (F) (H) 3.15 (S) OFF
LADIES Dev. v Yarmouth (L) (H) 1.45 (S) 3-0 W

MENS 1s v Oxted (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 1-0 W
MENS 2s v Ipswich 2s (L) (A) 2.00 1-2 L
MENS 3s v Bury St Edmunds 2s (L) (A) 1.30 7-1 W
MENS 4s v Pelicans 2s (L) (H) 10.45 (S) 1-1 D
MENS 5s v UEA 2s (L) (A) 2.30 1-4 L
MENS 6s v Lowestoft Railway 2s (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 2-4 L
MENS Vets v City of Peterborough (L) (H) 4.00 (W) OFF

LADIES 6s v Norwich City 4s (L) (H) 7.30 (W) 0-3 L

Pelicans Vets 2 Harleston Vets 2

Question: What has eighteen good legs, twenty arms and ten heads until some are lost?

Answer: Magpies Vets at Pelicans. The Vets arrived with two unfit players and eight not quite so unfit players so Captain Bardwell showed Mouriniho like instincts by playing central defender Chris Humphreys as a striker and creative midfielder Jon Wells in defence.

As an ornithological aside I know that Magpies are named after the pub that was the club's first headquarters rather than any thieving tendencies. I have never heard anything about the origin of the Pelicans name. I did consult the 1998 edition of the Birds of Norfolk apparently the first record of a Pelican in Norfolk relates to a humerus bone found at Feltwell- that must have been a hard game. I looked in the Collins Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe and found this under the section for voice of the Pelican and I must stress that I quote this verbatim ''colonies produce a buzzing hum of stifled mumbling and various inarticulate grunting sounds'. Not sure about the stifled bit.

Anyway to the game, Magpies played some neat hockey at the start without threatening the Pelicans goal but the final pass was lacking. Peter Lock was doing the running of two men up-front but support struggled to keep up with him. Shoddy bits of defending allowed pelicans to go into a two goal lead before magpies stirred themselves enough to win a short corner which became a stroke after Jon Well's shot. Peter Dolton's effort beat the goalkeeper comfortably but also beat the post by a margin.

The second half was a different story with Magpies getting stronger and stronger. A series of short corners ended with a slipped pass being put into the net but the phrase teutonic efficiency did not come to mind.

With five minutes to go a Pelicans defender under pressure slapped the ball away with the back of his stick. David Blackmore realising that he could do no worse than the first half effort stepped up and scored to give Magpies a deserved share of the points.

£4701 TAKEN!

What a result from last Saturday's Auction of Promises! On behalf of the organising committee I thank everyone who supported the event – including, of course, our excellent auctioneers Lawrence Baynes and Robbie Kinsella, the Lot donors and bidders (both successful and unsuccessful – the latter are invaluable at auctions provided you are not a buyer!) – for making the event such a success both financially and socially. From the above figure (which excludes bar profits) there are only a few expenses to be deducted making it a highly successful event for the club.

For a list of what each Lot made please click here. The successful bidders have been given, where appropriate, the contact details of their donors.

I also take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported the Spring Prize Raffle which made a healthy profit of £1300. The draw was made during the A of P with the major prizes and congratulations going to Verity Blyth (£150), Phil Cobbald (£75) and Mike Pepper (£25).

Earlier in the day there were less wins than usual for the club – just three from 13 games. The Ladies' 2nds continued their fine form, which has brought them five wins from their seven games since Christmas, by beating Ipswich & ES 2-0 away while the Ladies' 5ths beat Loddon 2nds 3-1 and the Men's 3rds eased past Lowestoft Town 9-1 during which Matt Brand took his total of goals for the season to 39 and his total for the past three seasons to 101. Some record! Matt – I must have missed the celebration drink!

In five other matches 2-2 was a popular – or unpopular - result with the Ladies' 1sts letting slip a two goal lead against Old Loughtonians thanks in no small part to Debbie McAllen having to leave the field after a nasty knock on her head which required stitches (luckily she is OK but had to miss the Mixed team's 3-1 defeat at Wisbech last Sunday); the Men's 2nds conceding a goal in the last few seconds, like the Ladies' 1sts, against City of Peterborough 2nds; the Men's 6ths extending their unbeaten run to four games away to IES 3rds and the Men's Veterans taking a point from their away trip to Pelicans. The Vets thus maintained their unbeaten run going back to October 17 – all of eight matches ago! But by far the most meritorious 2-2 score line was that achieved by the Ladies' 3rds when for the second time this season they held league leaders Loddon to a draw.

In some ways the most significant win last weekend was achieved on Sunday by Oxted who beat Indian Gymkhana 4-2 thereby removing any chance of relegation for the Men's 1sts who continued their good form in losing narrowly away to second placed Old Loughtonians by three goals to two. Andy Hipwell scored the two goals to take his season total to 16 and in doing so consolidated his position as the league's leading scorer (with 13) of open play goals. Many congratulations to manager Robert Stimpson and captain Leigh Sitch and the rest of the squad, including the coaches, on retaining their status following their first season back in the national league.

Magpies May Day Weekend Hockey Festival (1 & 3 May 2010) – calling all HMHC members including those away at university and former HMHC members. You are invited to enter a team. Please see the top right link on the Home Page of the club's website for entry details.

This weekend's home matches on Saturday include the Men's 1sts hosting, by coincidence, Oxted (2.15) in their last home match of the season; the Ladies' 2nds playing league leaders Lowestoft (NB 12.15); the Ladies' 3rds taking on Dereham 3rds (12.15) and Ladies' Development playing Yarmouth (1.45) in their penultimate match of another hugely successful season. On Sunday the Ladies' 1sts are away to Ipswich (2.00) in a match of huge significance to the home team as they attempt to cling on to top spot; the Men's 2nds entertain Harpenden (2.15) in what should be a tougher match than their visit to Ipswich 2nds the previous day; the Men's 5ths host Ipswich Crane (12.30) and the Senior Vets play their annual match at Weybread against England LX (12.00). Good luck to all our teams in action this weekend including the U10 and U12 Boys in the County Mini Finals at Gresham's School on Sunday.

News and comments in brief

§ I am delighted to say that social member and good friend of the club, Brian Perks, who had an accident due to a heart attack while at the wheel of his car last Saturday week, is well on the way to recovery (and now home from hospital) thanks to the staff of a passing ambulance (!) who saved his life. Brian – it will be good to see you back at Weybread next season.

§ The highlight of the Ladies' 1sts draw with the OLs last Saturday were the two goals scored by Angie Wheelhouse which took her national league career total to a remarkable 99. I apologise (again) to Angie and her mother, Jenny, for shouting out 'fluke' when her second goal flew into the net. I thought the cross from Emily Wilford went in off a defender's stick!

§ Commiserations to England men for missing out on a medal in the World Cup in New Delhi. Their cause was not helped by the withdrawals through injuries just before the event of forwards Matt Daly and Simon Mantell and during the event of key defender Richard Mantell.

§ Please note your diary with the End of Season Bash (disco and hog roast etc) to be held at the club on Saturday 8 May (7.30pm). Tickets – Adults £10 and U13 £5 – are available from the clubhouse bar.

With kind regards and best wishes

Mike Denham 01603 506925 MDenham975@aol.com 17/3/10

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1ST TEAM WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kitchen Sense play Ipswich away this Sunday at Tuddenham Road, Ipswich starting at 2.00pm. Ipswich currently top the League with the same number of points as Sevenoaks but Ipswich lead on goal difference. Magpies are in third place seven points behind the these two top teams and with two games to go cannot catch either of these teams, but they need the points if they are going to hang on to third place.

As Magpies play Sevenoaks at home next week (2.00pm start) they could play a significant part in who goes on to win this League. Earlier in the season Magpies lost 1-0 at home to Ipswich in a very tight game that was decided by a penalty corner so they will be trying very hard to reverse this result.

Last week Magpies took on Old Loughtonians at home with three successive wins under their belt and at 2-0 up seemed on course to make it four in a row until a serious head injury and yellow card within minutes of each other completely disrupted the Magpies defence. Old Loughtonians who seemed dead and buried grabbed their opportunity and scored a late equaliser. However prior to those events Magpies seemed in good form so they have every reason to go into the game on Sunday with confidence and under no pressure. Angie Wheelhouse who is the leading goal scorer in this League is back in the goals and Cherry Seaborn is not far behind, so Magpies have the fire power to win the match. What they need on the day is a good team performance.


SQUAD : Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Lucy Hayman, Lucy Fields, Katrina Warnes, Bryony Lund, Charlotte Harrison, Ellie Bale, Debbie McAllen, Frances Sumner, Artemis Clark, Emily Wilford, Verity Blyth, Cherry Seaborn and Angie Wheelhouse

U10 GIRLS NORFOLK CLUB COUNTY FINALS

Harleston Magpies U10 Girls finished as runners up in the Norfolk Club Finals behind the winners Norwich City. Magpies started off by beating Dereham 2-0 (Lottie Summers, Georgina Warren) and then also beat Pelicans 2-0 (Lottie Summers 2). The crunch game against Norwich City saw a terrific end to end match but Magpies had their chances to score and in one spell must have had four successive shots but the Norwich goalkeeper saved well. Norwich broke away immediately to score the decisive goal.
In the second round of matches Magpies beat Dereham 3-0 (Lottie Summers 2, Anna Kilbourn) and Pelicans 1-0 (Martha Lawrence). The return match against Norwich City was an excellent game in which both sides had chances to win but in the end they had to settle for a -0 draw.
This was only the second time these players have played together this season as Under 10s, having previously played the U11/U13 format, so they did well and came very close to winning. All the players improved throughout the Tournament.

SQUAD: Georgina Warren (Capt), Lucy Westmacott (GK), Megan Conway, Martha Lawrence, Matilda Warde-Aldam, Rose Winter, Lottie Summers, Lottie Fairs and Anna Kilbourn

Magpies Secure National League place

Magpies, in fine spirits following their win over Indian Gymnkhana, visited Old Loughtonians and were really put to the test. The Essex side started at blistering pace and were two up within fifteen minutes. Early in the second half despite pressure from the Norfolk side Loughtonians extended their lead.Magpies pressed for much of the second half scoring two goals ,and it was Lougtonians who were happy to hear the final whistle, to keep up their slender hopes of winning the league.

With Indian Gymkhana losing Magpies are now assured of a place in the league for next season. This week’s game at Weybred on Saturday 2.15 push back is the final home fixture of the season and the visitors are Oxted currently sitting in fourth position. Despite having to play a slightly different side in recent weeks Magpies have shown the depth of their squad. Wins against Chelmsford and Gymkhana ,a draw against Bromley and two narrow losses against the top two sides have shown the progress since the mid season break. The side are not now depending on their resilient defence to win games as in the last five games including matches against the top two they have score fifteen goals.

Magpies will need to continue to prepare really well once again this week as Oxted will be a tough side to beat. Ben Wright and Duncan Graves are not available, however Gareth Furlong returns and Tristan Baynes is likely to have recovered from the injury which kept him out of the visit to Loughtonians. Jamie Legg, who made an encouraging debut last week retains his place, Toby Tibbenham is added to the squad.


Squad: From Richard Harms;John Livings;David Ling;Leigh Sitch;Stuart Leate;Richard Gill;Pete Bale;Andy Hipwell;Tristan Baynes;James Fanger;Mark Wheelhouse;Simon Hipwell;Jamie Legg;Neil Toulson;Gareth Furlong;Toby Tibbenham

1 (lot number)
Rob Goodson (Donor)
Lucozade bag with football, T-shirt, golf matt and various other goodies
£25 (price paid)

2
Chris Humphreys
Selection of books
£22

3
Kirstin Cumming
Millionaire’s Squares for purchase and collection on the night
£15

4
Serena Sitch
Chocolate biscuit layer cake for purchase and collection on the night
£17

5
Pat Joyce
A simnel cake for Easter
£10

6
Peter Thorpe
A round of golf for three people, including bar meal, with Peter at Diss GC
£60

7
Andrew Longe
One experienced gun on one of Andrew’s shoot days – average bag last season 150. (Choice of six dates)
£280

8
Kings Seeds, Spalding
Voucher for £100 for seeds – game cover, wild flowers, grass (domestic or agricultural), hedging or trees
£90

9
John and Maureen Pestell
Accommodation for two nights in a self catering annexe in St Peter South Elmham. Accommodation comprises a twin bedded room, bathroom, sitting room, kitchen, conservatory and enclosed courtyard garden. Food provided for self catering breakfast
£75

10a
Graham Ramm
One hour GCSE mathematics lessons
DNS

10b
Graham Ramm
One hour GCSE mathematics lessons
DNS

11
Dave and Janet Brown
½ day dinghy sailing at Weybread Pits with tuition/coaching as needed. All ages welcome with a maximum of six people
£55

12
Norman Beadle
Enjoy a 45 minute flight around Norfolk or Suffolk or wherever takes your fancy! Or make this a present to a friend. Bring a camera and take some stunning pictures
£100

13
Lucy Fields & Ladies’ 1st team squad
Lucy Fields, a fully qualified garden designer and horticulturist, will design a flower bed for your garden including a planting plan. The Ladies’ 1st team will provide the manual labour to help make the plans a reality
£180

14
Men’s 1st team squad
A hamper of drinks, etc.
£50

15
Les and Irene Bicker
Round of golf with light lunch for two people with Les and Irene at Bungay & Waveney GC on a mutually convenient weekday
£32

16
Chris Humphreys
Selection of books
£6

17
William Slater
Water skiing on the Norfolk Broads on a 6 metre Mastercraft V8 Pro Comp Ski Boat. To try for the first time, show us how it is done or maybe just come along for the ride to see us make fools of ourselves! For up to four people at an agreeable date and time during the summer
£110

18
Tracy Reeve
One hour sports, remedial or therapeutic massage
£45

19
Tony Eaves,
Black Swan, Homersfield
Meal for Two voucher (up to the value of £40 including drinks) – valid until 31 July 2010
£42

20
Graham Ramm
A wall mounted bird table
£28

21
Jerry and Kathy Blackmore
Hire for a week of a converted barn (self catering for up to 5 people)
in the Yorkshire Dales (Upper Wharfedale, near Buckden).
Sorry – no pets and non-smokers only please
£380

22
Rosemary Mason
A visit to Minsmere RSPB reserve with lunch in the restaurant there for two people
£70

23
Neville Chubbock
1 hour beginner’s drum lesson. Includes full kit for 5 days delivered and set up in your home. 15 miles radius of Harleston. Suit young beginner or older mid life crisis sufferer!
£22

24
Rob Goodson
12 Lucozade sports bottles
£22

25
Alec Cumming,
professional artist
Painting by Alec
£95

26
Stuart Naunton
Either one day self drive hire or half day with operator within 10 mile radius of Harleston. The digger is a 1.7 Ton zero tail swing machine with extendable tracks and will fit through 1 metre wide opening. Comes with full range of buckets
£60

27
Philippa Taylor
3-course dinner for eight people, cooked and delivered (alcohol not included)
£240

28
Timothy Carless, International Landscape Designer
Two hours of design, consultancy or horticultural advice (within 15 miles of Harleston)
£100

29
Stuart and Caroline Peters
£25 cinema ticket for Vue in Norwich
£25

30
Kevin and Jackie Ridley
Oil fired boiler breakdown repair or full service (excluding materials)
£65

30a
Gill Hipwell
2 dozen chocolate brownies baked to order
£22

30b
Jill Whipps
Hairdressing voucher
£22

31
James Goodson
Two Burner Gas BBQ with 10kg BP Gas Light Cylinder – as displayed
£80

32
Roy Goodwin
Hire and set-up of PA sound equipment for day including radio mikes, music, etc. for party, dance, fete, sports day, quiz, etc.
£32

33
Maureen Ling
One night’s bed and breakfast four poster bed en-suite accommodation for two people (over 18’s) at Wortham. Date by arrangement.
£70

34
Matt Brand
Annual subscription to TW Gaze’s monthly antiques catalogue
£40

35
Mike Denham
A nine hole playing golf lesson with Mark Allen, the professional at Eaton GC in Norwich. Mark is very good company and an excellent coach
£65

36
Chris Humphreys
Selection of books
£35

37
Helen Alexander
Hire of beach chalet at Kessingland, near Lowestoft, for one week. Ideal for young family; sleeps up to two adults and three children. Date by agreement. Non-smoking, no pets, bed linen excluded. £200 reserve.
£190

38
John Bedwell,
John Bedwell Ltd (Anglian Salt)
Voucher for 10 x 25kg bags of salt tablets or granular salt
(suitable for watersoftners) – to be collected
£80

39
Richard Allcock
Selection of pork (to value of approx. £30)
£38

40
James Stacey,
O&C Butcher, Aldeburgh
A Barbour jacket (to fit purchaser) to the value of £200
£150

41
Andy Smith
A professionally written CV
£10

42
Brian Pring
A round of golf and lunch with Brian at Diss GC
£70

43
Stuart and Caroline Peters
A homemade cake
£30

44
Rob Goodson
5 cases of Lucozade/Ribena mixture
£20

45
Roger Kent,
Professional Artist
A frame of five original fungi illustrations painted by Roger for inclusion in a book
£220

46
David and Audrey Kent,
A.R. Kent & Son
Hire of one mini-skip within ten miles of Pulham Market.
£65

47
Kirstin Cumming
Millionaire’s Squares for purchase and collection on the night
£25

48
Stuart Baker and Paul Howland
An oven ready frozen goose and three brace of oven ready frozen pheasants
£40

49
Julian & Philippa Taylor
An afternoon milking session at Starston
£45

50
Roy Goodwin
Cubic metre load of firewood (within 10 miles of Weybread)
£95

51
George Hunter
Hire with operator of a mini-digger for one day
DNS

52
Pete Bale
Dita hockey stick
£62

53
James Goodson
5 or 10 kg BP Gas Light Cylinder
£22

54
Ladies’ 2nds
To prepare the teas for another HMHC team on a Saturday afternoon
£22

55
Richard Bacon, MP
House of Commons bottles of wine
£25

56
Jonathan Aldridge
One hour of hockey skills coaching
£25

57
Rob Goodson
Ribena wash bag with 5 Lucozade T-shirts
£25

58
Trevor Wright
3 racquet Dunlop 'thermo' bag plus a can of 4 balls
£10

59
Mark Clark
Hunting with Harris hawk for half a day in local area early next season from October 20 onwards
£100

60
John and Lisa Wells
6 bottles of champagne
£100

61
Pepperell’s Meats
£10 meat voucher
£10

62
Men’s Veterans
Selection of drinks
£55

63
Mark & Debbie Kilbourn
www.kilbourns.co.uk
A service and MOT or a service to the value of £150
£140

64
Miranda Mitchley
“Who do you think you are?” 4 hours of help tracing your ancestors – including copies of censuses 1841 - 1911
£35

65
Tiger Young
One hour gliding experience at Tibenham Airfield
£100

66
Gill Hipwell
2 dozen chocolate brownies baked to order
£20

67
Alison and Mark Wilford
Two tickets donated by Aviva for the Norwich City v
Stockport County game on Easter Monday (April 5th) in the Community Stand.
£65

68
Bella Hall
Family season ticket for the Southwold Maize Maze (2 adults and 2 children for the 2010 season)
£25

69
Sir Michael Lord, MP
House of Commons Bottle of Whisky
£30

plus donations of £50 and £15 making a grand total of £4701 (what a result!)

MANY THANKS to all donors and bidders (either successful or unsuccessful) and to everyone else who helped to make the event such a success - both financially and socially.

Mike Denham
(On behalf of the organising committee)
16/3/10

This top of the table clash produced a great game prior to Christmas and the replay did not disappoint. Frances Taylor had to work hard in midfield to contain a lively Loddon midfield. Magpies quickly picked up the marking at the back with the capable Georgie Scott taking on the sweeper position. Magpies starting taking control of the game and pushed forward and Kiera Booty scored from a cross by volleying the ball into the net. Magpies held the lead at half time but Loddon quickly struck back despite the midfield and defence working hard to contain them.

Lizzie Jones worked hard in midfield with Becky Banham and Lucy Chubbock created some good chances going forward. Finally from a Lizzie cross Hannah Linger swept the ball home in her best game of the season. Despite an excellent game from the Magpies defence and Georgie's best game yet, Loddon pulled one back to equalise in the final minutes.

Magpies should be proud of their performance against a much older and more experienced team. Well done!

JULIE PODD

Old Loughts 3 – Harleston Magpies 2

Harleston Magpies travelled to second placed Old Loughts this weekend in good spirits following a vital 3 points against Indian Gymkhana the previous weekend. The team travelled without the injured Baynes and Graves while Furlong was away on international duty. The team welcomed Jamie Legg to the frame to make his National league debut, while Craig Snelling was recalled to the squad.

In a much faster paced game Old Loughts started the stronger with excellent movement up front that the Harleston defence and midfield could not cope with. Harleston had Richard Harms to thank for a couple of excellent early saves along the base line, however eventually Harleston's resistant was broken when Old Loughts converted a good deflection. After the goal Old Loughts pressed hard causing Magpies to turn the ball over cheaply in their own half. Old Loughts managed to extend their lead when they broke from midfield in numbers the home team managed to calmly slot the ball past Harms.

Despite this set back Harleston started to find their feet and created a couple of chances of their own, Toulson made Hendy produce a fine save from close range and from two short corners Andy Hipwell and Pete Bale found the Loughts shot stopper in the same form.

With the half time whistle coming Harleston knew they would have to step up a gear in the second half to put Old Loughts under pressure. The second half started similar to the first half with Old Loughts pressing well but unable to convert their possession into a goal, this was until a cruel deflection fell to Old Loughts forward James Steadman who managed to volley the ball home leaving Harms with no chance.

The third goal spurred Harleston into life, the away side were now able to contain the home side and build pressure of their own. Harleston had already created a quick break away chance before Snelling and Bale combined down the left releasing Wright who managed to square the ball for Andy Hipwell to slot home from close range.

Harleston were now in the ascendancy and continued to harrow Old Loughts into mistakes at the back, eventually Harleston forced a short corner which Andy Hipwell fired home into the top corner of the goal. Old Loughts were now starting to shake, with Fanger frightening the opposition with his pace down the right he released energetic Gill who again found Hendy in superb form to deny the midfielder.

Despite not being able to find the vital equaliser they deserved Harleston left Old Loughts happy with their battling performance and look forward to facing Oxted next Saturday at home.

WOMENS ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

HARLESTON MAGPIES 2 OLD LOUGHTONIANS 2

Ladies 5th have had a busy few days playing 3 matches in 8 days. Starting off against Sprowston 2nds at Langley we were hoping for a win and started strongly with Jess Howland opening the scoring with a fine individual goal. Although having most of the play in the first half we were unable to increase our tally. Sprowston re arranged their team in the second half and Magpies found themselves under increasing pressure. With an injury to Janet Brown Sprowston scored the equaliser with minutes to go.

Magpies 2 – Peterborough 2
Magpies second team went into this encounter with Peterborough fired up and looking to be positive. Although there were a few hairy moments in the first half when Peterborough counter attacked with some purpose, the summary of the first half was some decent build up play, lots of chances for Harleston, but only one goal to show for it. The goal itself was scored by Rob Kinsella following good work from Lawrence Baynes (who as usual was the driving force behind most of our best play).

The half time team talk focused on the need to stay calm and take some chances, or we might find Peterborough growing in confidence and making it a long afternoon. The second half continued in a similar vein, apart from the fact that it was Peterborough who grabbed the next goal following a purposeful run from midfield. This left both Magpies players and supporters alike feeling increasingly nervous and although a second Magpies goal did eventually come through Jamie Legg, we never took control of the match. A string of further wasted chances meant Peterborough were never out of the game and the nagging concern was turned into reality when Peterborough broke and equalised with almost the last shot of the game.

From my side, this felt like a game we could and should have won comfortably. Having said that, credit to Peterborough who were resolute at the back, had a goalie in great form and always looked dangerous on the break.

Overall, this wasn’t a bad performance, but an incomplete one. I felt the workrate from everyone was good, but although we had some good build up play we consistently let ourselves down with either the final ball or finishing. This has been our achilles heel all season and is the reason why we are currently fourth, feeling we could/should be higher up the league.

Man of the match went to Jamie Legg, who played with real purpose and continued his recent improved form which has deservedly seen him promoted to the first team squad.

Finally, congratulations to Cambridge City who were effectively promoted following an away win at Wapping (who will probably also be promoted next week) – they have scored 114 goals in 21 games which is good going in anyone’s book.

MENS 1s v Old Loughtonians (L) (A) 2.00 2-3 L
MIXED v Wisbech (EH Trophy) (A) 12.00 1-3 L

LADIES 1s v Old Loughtonians (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 2-2 D
LADIES 2s v Ipswich & ES (L) (A) 2.30 2-0 W
LADIES 3s v Loddon (L) (A) 3.00 2-2 D
LADIES 4s v Beccles (L) (A) 10.30 0-3 L
LADIES 5s v Loddon 2s (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 3-1 W
LADIES 6s v Lowestoft Railway 2s (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 0-7 L
LADIES Dev. v Norwich City (F) (H) 10.45 (S) 1-0 W
MENS 2s v City of Peterborough 2s (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 2-2 D
MENS 3s v Lowestoft Town (L) (H) 4.00 (W) 9-1 W
MENS 4s v Norwich Dragons (L) (A) 1.30 0-1 L
MENS 5s v Lowestoft Railway (L) (H) 3.15 (S) 1-2 L
MENS 6s v Ipswich & ES 3s (L) (A) 11.30 2-2 D
MENS Vets v Pelicans (L) (A) 3.00 2-2 D

Beccles 3 - 0 Magpies Ladies IV

Magpies travelled to play Beccles for their final league match of the season. And after their brilliant result last weekend and their current position of third in the table, Magpies were looking to finish on a high.

LADIES 5s v Norwich City 3s (L) (H) 7.30 (W) 3-4 L

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1ST TEAM WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kitchen Sense play Old Loughtonians at home this Saturday starting at 12.30 in their English Hockey League match. Old Loughtonians are in 6th place in the League with 21 points eight points behind Magpies with five wins, six draws and four defeats.

Magpies after a sticky start after the Christmas break, when they dropped points against relegation threatened teams Cambridge City and Northampton, have returned to form with three successive League wins against Horsham, St Albans and Chelmsford.

The home win against Chelmsford on Sunday was well earned in the end with some excellent goals and was also achieved without Cherry Seaborn and Emily Wilford, who had played a significant part in the win the previous week. Both players return to strengthen the squad this week. With Magpies currently in third place in the League just five points behind the leaders Ipswich and Sevenoaks they can only reflect where they might be without those eight dropped points against the bottom three teams in three successive League games just before and after Christmas.

Magpies will be looking to maintain their current form this Saturday against Old Loughtonians who have only lost four games in fifteen matches, so they are a difficult team to beat but have probably drawn too many games to be pushing the top teams in the League. If Magpies can win this game they will play their final two matches with confidence against the League leaders Ipswich and Sevenoaks in a tough finish to the season.


SQUAD : Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Lucy Hayman, Lucy Fields, Katrina Warnes, Bryony Lund, Charlotte Harrison, Ellie Bale, Debbie McAllen, Frances Sumner, Artemis Clark, Emily Wilford, Verity Blyth, Cherry Seaborn and Angie Wheelhouse

Harleston Magpies Vets report for Saturday 6th March.

There is no report to file as there was no game. Vets were farmed out to other Magpies teams to make up the numbers.

Was this like missionaries going to far off places to educate and pacify natives?

No. Did it feel like racehorses being put out to stud. No never.

It felt like an old people's home where all the residents got on very well with each other being closed down by the local council as a cost cutting measure and being rehoused a long way apart in sheltered accommodation and not being sure whether they would be looked after properly.

We can only hope that the decision will be reversed and we can all get back together again.

Magpies Visit Title Contenders

Magpies in fine spirits following their win over Indian Gymnkhana, visit Old Loughtonians for what will be their toughest test of the season. The Essex side could only draw last weekend thus allowing Canterbury to take over the top spot. Magpies are likely to feel the backlash ,Old Loughtonians have only three games in which to regain the lead.Magpies won last weekend due to a gritty performance by the squad , some fine goalkeeping by both their keepers , however they conceded too many corners and will need to improve this weekend The Magpies defence were in fine form but Loughtonians are likely to have slicker routines.

Tristan Baynes sustained an injury which will keep him out of the trip to Essex,however Neil Toulson, Ben Wright and Duncan Graves return to the squad, Matt Stainthorpe retains his place with Toby Tibbenham making way for Jamie Legg.

Squad: From Richard Harms;John Livings;David Ling;Leigh Sitch;Stuart Leate;Richard Gill;Pete Bale;Andy Hipwell;Duncan Graves;James Fanger;Ben Wright;Mark Wheelhouse,Matt Stainthorpe;Simon Hipwell;Jamie Legg;Neil Toulson