Harleston Magpies U10 travelled to Kings Lynn on Sunday on a mild October day. With an eight girl squad we faced the hosts Pelicans first. Magpies played well and camped in the opposition half for the whole game and did everything except score. The game finished 0:0. This was going to be the story of the day.

The second game was against Dereham and again Magpies looked good going forward as well as defensively strong on the odd occasion the opposition attacked. The game finished 0:0.

Magpies toughest game was next against Norwich City A and whilst again we showed great movement and created as many chance as Norwich we sadly couldn't get the ball in the net. Norwich did score and it finished 2:0.

Our last game was against Norwich City B and with a similar story to the first two games we controlled the game but couldn't score. We had several short corners and through dogged defending from Norwich we some how again finished 0:0.

All who took part played well and we deserved more in certainly three of of the games. I particular I would like to thank Alice who kindly stepped in as goalkeeper and played like a natural in this position. We look forward to hosting our own tournament in 2 weeks where with a little shooting practice we should do well.

U12 GIRLS AT PELICANS TOURNAMENT

Harleston Magpies U12 Girls played in the Pelicans tournament and finished as runners up after losing to Pelicans in the final. The team played well throughout the Tournament but two quick goals conceded in the final ensured that they would go home as runners up. The side showed several changes from the recent Ipswich Tournament.

Norwich Dragons won 2-0 Lottie Summers 2

Wisbech GS won 2-0 Alice Woollatt, Lottie Summers

Dereham A won 1-0 Sophie Child

Pelicans B won 2-0 Lottie Summers, Alice Woollatt

Semi Finals

Norwich City won 1-0 Lottie Summers

Final

Pelicans lost 0-2


Team: Lottie Summers (Capt), Anna Kilbourn, Ismay Whittaker, Sophie Child, Amelia Preece, Abigail Bourne, Alice Woollatt and Hannah Dobson.

In some ways, the hardest part was finding the ground and negotiating a maze of roundabouts. Being of the age we are, some of us would far rather be given an OS grid ref than rely on a sat nav especially when the ground doesn't have a post code.

With the strike force of Cobbald and Aldridge in the far east- way beyond Lowestoft on international duty, Magpies recruited Jim Stather who has all the required qualifications and the added bonus of being a forward.

Magpies dominated from the start and moved the ball around quickly in all sorts of directions bar one which was into the opponents' goal. Missed chances were spread throughout the team with Dave Blackmore playing top of the diamond, missing the goal twice from close range. He then had to leave at half time to deliver daughter to airport. I hope for her sake he had better luck finding Stanstead than he did the goal then after all its big enough. (Though I am duty bound to say that he did finally give Magpies the lead-though chimps, typewriters and Shakespeare spring to mind)

Clyde Camburn managed to do what the Welsh rugby team should have done in their World Cup semi final and clear the crossbar from open play.

Half time came with Magpies two goals up. In the second half, Colchester tired and gaps appeared. Magpies eased to six goals with two from Bob Skinner, two from Jim Stather and one from Jerry Blackmore before conceding two themselves.

Finally a precision pass from Clyde to Jon Wells via a spot four up on the right post gave Jon the final goal.

Magpies are drawn against Tunbridge Wells away on Sunday 20th November with the winners going into the last eight.

I'm afraid that this game did not stay long in the memory and I am indebted to Murray for supplying me with names of the goal scorers.

Marc Lloyd in an unaccustomed striker role opened the scoring and James Graham extended the lead. Magpies despite dominating for much of the time were unable to create and take shooting opportunities.

A young Sudbury team played some neat passing moves and were rewarded with a goal from a short corner but were denied any further chances.

Simon Bardwell was again unfortunate to be passed over in the MoM award. No prizes for guessing who suggested that.

After six games the 7ths have the second best defensive record in the league with only the club 6th team conceding fewer but have the second worse goal scoring record. However they have now reached the dizzy heights of fifth in the league.

Magpies fight hard but come away pointless in London

After a 5-0 loss the week previously, Magpies’ second string made the fairly long journey to Beckton in East London to face Indian side Ramgharia. Traditionally a feisty side, the home team are riding high in Prem B and Magpies’ vice-skipper Baynes knew his side were in for a tough game.

With skipper Hipwell unavailable as he had started for the 1st XI last weekend, Magpies did take several national league squad players who eligible, with Rob Kinsella, Richard Ling, Tom Graham, Will Blyth, George Payne and Alex Slater making the trip to bolster the side. Pies were without James Baker and Dickon Taylor, but looked to have a strong side.

The game started well for both sides, but it was the Londoners who made the most of their chances with their skilful forwards creating wave after wave of attacks, all dealt with by Slater, Absolon, Cumming and Larkin who switched around in a three-man defence. Lane in goal kept a couple of penalty corners out, and Cumming saved on the post to keep it nil-nil until the end of the first half.

However, a dubious penalty corner award for a stick tackle almost outside the 25 led to Ramgharia having four attempts after the half time whistle had sounded, which they finally scored from with a well struck shot.

The second half saw the deficit almost immediately to two-nil as Ramgharia surged forward, using thing their skills to deceive Pies’ defenders and flick home. What looked like it could be a cricket score became better once Ling had scored to reduce the scoreline, and Kinsella fired home shortly after to make it two-two and game on.

Youngsters Blyth, Slater, Graham and Payne worked hard to get the team back into the game, but the home side went for the jugular, and forced numerous corners before scoring with a scrambled effort which neither Lane or Absolon could keep out, and the Indians fired in their fourth from a neat deflected penalty corner shortly afterwards to make it 4-2. Pies came close through Dave Francis and Ling again, but could not work any more chances.

Man of the match was Richard Larkin for stout defending, with Alex Slater taking the dick of the day award for his lack of modern history knowledge.

Man of the match – Richard Larkin
Dick of the day – Alex Slater
Poem – “I Believe”

Magpies 2nd XI team: Lane (GK), Absolon, Iain Cumming, Blyth, Fields, Kinsella, Baynes (C), Francis, Larkin, Slater, Payne, Tom Graham, Richard Ling.

North Walsham 1 Magpies 6

Harleston Magpies Ladies II remain undefeated after beating North Walsham 6-1 on Saturday. Magpies came up against a strong home side and the game started with equal ball possession from both teams. However Kira Wooltorton sent Magpies into the lead by striking a short corner mid way through the first half. This was shortly followed by Frances Taylor scoring an excellent rebound off the goalies' pads in another short corner. North Walsham responded by upping their tempo of play, however Magpies remained strong and were able to play the ball around the opposition. A further two goals were scored by Anouska to bring the score to 4-0 at half time. In the second half North Walsham began to take more chances, which resulted in their first goal of the game. However Magpies defence remained in control with some great switching round the back by Frances Taylor, Shev Wooltorton and Georgia Pearson. Magpies continued to convert opportunities with Lucy Chubbock striking an early shot on goal and Krystal Bishop volleying it past the goal keeper. The Ladies II will play Christchurch at home this following Saturday and look to continue their strong start to the season.

Players of the match: Catherine Cranmer and Anouska Hipperson

MAGPIES U12 GIRLS AT IPSWICH TOURNAMENT

Harleston Magpies entered two U12 Girls team in the Ipswich Tournament to give as many players as possible the chance to play Tournament hockey. The Tournament was divided into two sections of four with the Magpies teams in different sections.



The A team results were as follows:

Grasshoppers won 4-0
Lottie Summers 4

Bury B won 4-0
Georgina Warren 2, Lottie Summers 2

Cambridge Drew 0-0

Magpies finished 1st in their section.


Semi Finals: Lost 0-2 to Ipswich A

3rd/4th play off Drew 1-1 v Cambridge
Lottie Summers.

Finished joint 3rd.



Team: Georgina Warren (Capt), Katie Westmacott, Hannah Dobson, Lottie Summers, Ismay Whittaker, Amelia Preece and Alice Woollatt




The B team results were as follows:

Ipswich A lost 1-2
Libby Chatten

Bury A lost 0-1

Sudbury Not appeared

Ipswich ES won 1-0
Abigail Bourne


Team: Abigail Bourne, Mia Gower, Amy Hill, Rose Winter, Anna Kilbourn, Evie Hall, Ellen Harness, Libby Chatten and Charlotte Johnson,

To maintain our Club Mark status we have to hold the names of a number of qualified first aiders within the Club.  To help meet this obligation we run an annual basic first aid course.

Any queries to Serena Sitch 01379 852636.

Broadland 1 Harleston Magpies 2

Harleston Magpies Ladies II remain undefeated after their win against Broadland on Saturday. Early on in the game, Magpies fell behind from an unlucky goal against them, however Broadland didn't manage to hold their lead and Magpies soon replied with a great goal from Krystal Bishop. Magpies kept most possession of the ball and were able to score again with a joint effort from Kira Wooltorton who got an early shot away, and Lucy Whiting who tucked it into the corner, putting the score at 2-1 for half time. The score line stayed the same throughout the second half, with both teams' defence holding strong, leaving the final score at 2-1.

Player of the match: Georgia Pearson

LADIES 1s v Oxford Hawks (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 2-0 W
LADIES 2s v Broadland (L) (A) 2.30 2-1 W
LADIES 3 v Pelicans 2s (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 5-0 W
LADIES 4s v Watton 2s (L) (A) 2.30 0-3 L
LADIES 5s v Diss (L) (H) 10.45 (S) 1-1 D
LADIES 6s v UES 3s (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 1-2 L
GIRLS Dev. – no game


MENS 1s v Old Loughtonians (L) (A) 3-4 L
MENS 2s v Letchworth (L) (A) 1.30 0-5 L
MENS 3s v Norwich Dragons (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 3-1 W
MENS 4s v Thetford Town (L) (H) 3.15 (S) 5-0 W
MENS 5s v Dereham 3s (L) (A) 12.00 2-1 W
MENS 6s v IES (L) (H) 4.00 (W) 2-2 D
MENS 7s v Bury St Edmunds 3s (L) (A) 3.00 1-0 W
BOYS Dev. v Tango Titans (L) (A) 4.00 1-1 D

Harleston Magpies Men's 1st XI vs Old Loughtonian's (Away Fixture - Chigwell School 14.00 22nd October

Harleston travelled to Old Loughtonian's with some improved confidence from the point gained last week and also with an almost full strength squad. Captain Mark Wheelhouse remains in the treatment room but Harleston welcomed back Tristan Baynes and gave a National league debut to new keeper Reece Leonard. The match was played at Chigwell school as the home sides double AstroTurf is being relayed for the Olympic games.

Magpies started the game strongly and played some of the best hockey they have produced this year confidently moving the ball around and also stifling any threat from a home side boasting current England international Harry Martin. A slick move down the right saw Elliot Smith and Peter Bale set up lead goal scorer Ben Wright who drove into the circle and smashed a crisp strike across the despairing keeper into the net. Unfortunately the lead didn't last long and Old Loughtonian's were level from a well worked penalty corner only a few minutes later. Magpies didn't panic and continued to press a weak home defence which soon reaped it's reward. This time it came from the left hand side of the pitch with a great final delivery from Man of the Match Andrew Bedwell being brilliantly deflected in by Stuart Leate nutmegging the goal keeper from 3 yards. Moments later it got even better for the visitors when Mark Stacpoole stole the ball of a hesitant defender racing into the circle and delivering a back hand cross which may have been heading in but Seb Knights made sure, giving magpies a 2 goal cushion.

Magpies continued to work hard and created chances with much frustration for the home side however the short corners they won were not converted and this allowed Old Loughtonian's to slowly increase their time in possession and create chances. Soon they were back on level terms when they were able to win two short corners which they converted into the right and then left corners of the goal respectively. 3-3 the score at the midway point.

In the second half Old Loughtonians pressed the away side back into their half but good organisation and hard work ensured the scores remained level. Two yellow cards were given to Magpies players for deliberate breaking down of play on separate occasions but despite this man advantage the home side could not breach the magpies rear guard and new keeper Reece Leonard saved well both off short corners and open play. The home side were fortunate not to concede more short corners for continual fouling around the circle but the umpire did not oblige and when they won a corner down the other end they again slickly converted to take the lead with 4 minutes to go. Magpies gave their all to equalise but a missed short corner was all they could manage and when the final whistle blew this hard fought contest was separated by the smallest of margins.

Another much improved performance from Magpies but again they fell just short of taking any points. They must enjoy their week off next week and prepare well for 3 key games that follow.

Magpies Ladies 5ths 1 Diss 1

With several players unavailable due to half term commitments Magpies welcomed Rachel Goodson, Katherine Ridley and Saffron Wilford to the team. Magpies took control at the start of the game with the midfield in commanding form. However they could not take advantage of this pressure and Diss always looked dangerous on the break and then gradually fought their way back into the game.

Diss took the lead in the second half from a Toni Glover penalty corner. Magpies responded well when a Kara Kilbourn cross was met by Saffron Wilford who fired home for the equaliser.

Magpies 2 Oxford Hawks 0

Magpies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk welcomed the league top scorers Oxford Hawks to Weybread on Saturday and produced their best team performance of the season to secure all three points in a very competitive match.

Magpies knew that a strong defensive display would be crucial if they were to stop Oxford Hawks who had scored 13 goals in 5 games compared to Magpies 5 goals in 5 games. Magpies started confidentially and pressurised the Hawks defence. This pressure created an early one on one opportunity with the Hawks keeper which Magpies narrowly failed to convert. In the 11minute as the forwards again won the ball from the Hawks defence Angie Wheelhouse fired the ball home high into the roof of the net to score her first goal of the season and put Magpies ahead. Hawks closest chance came just before half time when a well worked short corner was cleared off the line by Charlotte Harrison.

In the second half the Magpies team continued to work together and support each other in both attack and defence. Hawks were determined to get themselves back on level terms as soon as possible. Magpies midfield of Charlotte Harrison, Sarah Brook, Frances Sumner and Verity Blyth worked tirelessly throughout the half to ensure the team kept their shape and restricted Hawks attacking opportunities.

Magpies extended their lead in the 45th minute when Jess Howland skilfully deflected Emily Wilford's reverse stick shot past the Hawks keeper. Minutes later Magpies were unlucky not to increase their lead further when Hannah Palmer and Angie Wheelhouse combined to see their effort hit the post and scrambled away by a defender.

Hawks continued to attack and threaten the Magpies goal until the final whistle. A diving stick save from goalkeeper Lisa Griffen and a goal line clearance from Lizzy Jones ensured Magpies kept their two goal lead and all three points.

Player of the Match: Verity Blyth

The usual round of club politics meant that the 5ths were not able to select Roger Kent or Jon Wells who had played key roles in last weeks win over Pelican's. This caused some concern mid week in terms of numbers for the 5ths. Luckily Eddie "S.A.S" Thorne dispatched Qaddaffi mid week and was able to make a flight home for the match. Having said this, Eddie was meant to be an "emergency only" sub as he is still nursing an achilles injury, however in true 5ths style Robin Hayward arrived without his boots and had to go into town to buy some new ones meaning Eddie was in the starting 11.

Magpies were determined not to let the ongoing player selection issues cloud their focus on the game and went into the match with a steely resolve.The first thing to mention this week is the outstanding performances we saw from Steve Halliley, Phil Good and man of the match Tim Allen in defence. Dereham were a strong side and tested Magpies defensively throughout but as a team we were a match for them. The pace and intensity of the game were high and fitness was tested as both teams battled hard to create chances. A harsh yellow card was shown to Deben Nelson in the first half after he questioned a clearly dodgy call by the umpire and Magpies were down to 10 men. Magpies rallied and did not let the man advantage give Dereham an edge. The half time whistle blew with no score to either team.

The second half continued as the first began, high paced with both sides playing flowing hockey. Early on Dereham were awarded a flick after another questionable decision by the umpire. Steve was unlucky not to make the save and Magpies were down 1-0. Aside from the flick Dereham didn't really have many chances and Magpies forged on pushing forward and creating chances. The breakthrough came from a short corner shot from Chris "Moyles" Thornton which was expertly followed up by Dan Edwards to seal the equaliser. This goal pushed Magpies on and the 5ths settled into a good rhythm, working well as a unit, quelling any Dereham attack and countering well. Just to even things up, a Dereham player was asked to cool off for 10 minutes after another badly timed tackle and the advantage swung Magpies way. Magpies worked hard and continued to attack at every opportunity. Another short corner was won and Dan Edwards took his second goal to give Magpies the win.

The win has bouyed spirits in the Mens 5ths camp, not to mention Eddie showing off Qaddaffi's golden gun in the changing room that he managed to smuggle back into the country.

Next week the 5ths face North Walsham for their second game away from home on the trot.

Magpies Look to Secure Points

Magpies travel to Essex on Saturday to play Old Loughtonians at Chigwell School. Although a home game for the Essex club they will be playing at a local school as their pitch is being re-laid and this work is behind schedule. This change of venue together with the variable form of Old Loughtonians could give Magpies encouragement in their quest for points to move them up the table. Old Loughtonians have beaten Wimbledon and secured a point against Canterbury but a loss against Peterborough and and a draw against Teddington puts them in mid table.

Magpies showed great resilience in coming back from a 2-1 deficit to secure a point against Bromley last weekend. Whilst injuries and unavailability have been making life hard the situation is getting better. Alex Slater and George Payne together with captain Mark Wheelhouse miss the trip , however Tristan Baynes may make the sixteen. With the break of a week coming up it is hoped all will be fit for selection in two weeks time.

Team from; Richard Gill;Tristan Baynes;Stuart Leate;Andy Bedwell;Pete Bale(Capt);Robbie Kinsella;Will Blythe;Tom Graham;Richard Ling;Sebastion Knights;Tristan Baynes;Elliot Smith;David Ling;Simon Hipwell;Ben Wright;Rees Leonard.

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1ST TEAM WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk are at home this Saturday against newly promoted Oxford Hawks starting at 12.30.

Magpies will be encouraged by their 1-0 home win last week against Old Loughtonians, which was a game where the team knew that they had to win. Anouska Hipperson for the second week running scored the crucial goal. This win has seen Magpies move up to 6th place and given them some breathing space from the teams below them. The League is still very tight at the top and the bottom and it will take a few more weeks for a pattern to emerge. These are testing times for Magpies as the squad has been left very thin due to injury, illness etc. Of the team that beat Chelmsford in the opening game of the season there were seven players not playing last week.

Oxford Hawks were promoted last season and they have made a very promising start. Last week they beat Maidstone away 5-1 to move up into 4th position in the League. They are also the leading goal scorers in the League with thirteen goals. They have also beaten Horsham 3-0, Old Loughtonians 3-0, but lost 2-1 to Ipswich and 2-1 to St Albans.

Since the 4-1 home defeat to St Albans the Magpies defence has tightened up considerably but unfortunately they are finding it hard to put the ball in the net. A total of five goals scored in six League games is an area that needs improving but at the moment it is important to keep picking up points.

SQUAD FROM: Frances Sumner and Charlotte Harrison - Joint Captains, Katrina Warnes, Louisa Greenacre, Lizzie Jones, Lisa Griffin, Becky Baker, Naomi Hull, Anouska Hipperson, Sarah Brook, Jess Howland, Emily Wilford, Hannah Palmer, Angie Wheelhouse, Lucy Miller, Holly Baker and Verity Blyth.

Magpies Ladies 3s 4-0 Thetford Ladies

Magpies travelled to Thetford looking to keep their unbeaten record after a good start to the new season. A strong start by Magpies put pressure on the home side with the midfield working well moving the ball around, working their way into the opposition D, and consecutive short corners lead to a Jemima Jacobs goal. This was followed shortly by Dominique Dyball adding another for Magpies making it 2-0 going into the break. Coming back out with confidence, the whole team pushed forward which lead to Player of the Match Rosie Chubbock breaking through and slipping the ball past the keeper. Thetford had a spell of possesion but barely troubled Magpies' defence, the away side showing the better skill, and a final push with a Catriona McIver goal ended the game at 4-0. A stong display from Magpies, strength they will need to show next week when hosting Pelicans 2s, who are only 1 position lower in the table.

Magpies take the spoils from Prem B’s bottom side



Following last week’s valiant effort away in Hitchin when Magpies lost to Blueharts, the side welcomed bottom of the table Long Sutton to Weybread on Saturday in a Prem B clash. With a strong squad of 14, including 1st XI squad members Rob Kinsella and Will Blyth, Magpies were confident of taking the three points from a side without a win all season, and who had scored just 4 goals and conceded 10.

Magpies welcomed back Dom Absolon and Dickon Taylor inn defence, skipper Simon Hipwell in midfield with Leigh Sitch, and Martin Fields up front. Richard Larkin dropped out through injury, however.

The home side started brightly and used their experience of playing water-based hockey to good effect as the Lincolnshire strugglers took time to adjust to the pitch, and Magpies nearly scored within ten seconds .

Soon after though Dave Francis fired home from a penalty corner to make it one-nil, and from then on Magpies did not look troubled with the defence of Absolon, Taylor and the Cumming brothers holding fast to quell any Long Sutton attacks.

Half time brought a call by skipper Hipwell to play their style of hockey, and they duly did after the break, scoring another goal through a Lawrence Baynes penalty corner. However, the key moment which thankfully did not result in a loss, came when home keeper Lane was rightly yellow carded for playing the ball outside the D as he chased down a pass heading for the baseline.

After much confusion, Iain Cumming bravely stepped in as kicking back but was unable to prevent Long Sutton scoring from their fifth attempt at a penalty corner. Lane was soon back on from his sin binning and witnessed the home side score two more goals to make it 4-1 for a deserved win. Fields pummelled in a shot from the edge of the ‘D’ and Kinsella took a pass from Hipwell to slide in the fourth.

Great performances from Ewan Cumming and Dominic Absolon meant a tied man of the match award, with the latter receiving the gong after a keenly fought paper/scissors/stone contest. Dick of the day was, unsurprisingly, keeper Lane for his yellow card.

The win moves Magpies up to 6th in the table, and they next travel west to Letchworth to face a side who sit 4th and who lost their top position this weekend.

Man of the match – Dominic Absolon
Dick of the day – James Lane
Poem – “Baker wants”

Magpies 2nd XI team: Lane (GK), Absolon, Ewan Cumming, Iain Cumming, Taylor, Hipwell, Blyth, Fields, Baker, Kinsella, Baynes, Baines, Francis, Sitch

Harleston Magpies Men's 1st XI vs Bromley and Beckenham - Weybread 2.15pm 16/10/2011

Magpies welcomed bottom of the league Bromley and Beckenham to Weybread in what promised to be a tough encounter. The previous two encounters in this fixture had resulted in hard fought draws and with both sides desperate for confidence and points this was always going to be close. Magpies were again without Captain Mark Wheelhouse and Tristan Baynes but welcomed back striker Mark Stacpoole who had such an impressive debut vs Holcombe.

Both sides started the game in cautious moods befitting their recent results, but soon it was Magpies who were looking the more likely to take the lead with some good build up play. Simon Hipwell was again outstanding in his skill, effort and determination down the left giving the visitors right side no time to rest in possession. It was from a good left sided move that Andrew Bedwell delivered a crisp cross into the D for Sebastian Knights to take control and calmly finish for his second goal of the season. Magpies buoyed by this looked strong and calm in possession and were beginning to create more chances. Hipwell took advantage of slow defending to win a short corner which Ben Wright despatched beautifully toward the bottom corner only for a fantastic save from the line man to deny a second goal just before half time.

Magpies entered the second half knowing the away team would press on and also conscious of previous matches which had started when and then ended in defeat. It was a fairly even return to play but Magpies pressed the away side well and did produce some fine opportunities to double their lead only for the final outcome to let them down. With in the space of a few minutes the game was turned on it's head when two momentary lapses of concentration at the back gifted Bromley's predatory forward a one on one which he dispatched well and then a simple back post tap in to leave Magpies again staring at defeat.

To their credit however Magpies, unlike previous weeks, composed themselves well and when Man of the Match Ben Wright pressed his man into a mistake, he drove one on one with the keeper calmly smashing a rising volley into the goal for a majestic equaliser. From this point on it was anyone's game with end to end action. A corner miss from Bromley and two narrow misses for Magpies came and went and when the final whistle sounded an eerie silence fell across the pitch before both sides took stock following another full hearted encounter.

Magpies will perhaps reflect on a match they should won, however the point keeps them nicely above Bromley and instills some added confidence for the coming weeks.

Bury St Edmunds U18 Girls v Harleston Magpies U18 Girls Cup

Bury St Edmunds HC conceded the match. The next round is on Sunday Nov 6th.

North Walsham 2nds 1 Magpies 5ths 2

Magpies welcomed back Alice Bamber and Lisa Dobson to the 5ths and started the game strongly having most of the possession. North Walsham had several counter attacking moves but these were well dealt with by the solid Magpies defence. Magpies opened the scoring through Player of the Match Emily McCluskey from an unexpected penalty corner variation.

For the second week running our opponents came out stronger after the break giving us numerous problems in defence and they deservedly equalised. Jess Harvey made several saves in goal as Magpies gradually got back into the match. Shirley McAllen scored the winner a few minutes before the end when she shot after a good pass from Karen Ray and the ball struck a defender`s foot and looped over the GK.

The Men's 5ths hosted Pelicans this week and went into the game expecting a tough encounter. The 5ths had lost 6-1 the week before to Sudbury 2s and Pelly's had taken 3 points against the Sudbury team winning 5-3 on the 1st of October. A changed squad again with Eddie Thorne and Joel Nelson missing but unbelieveably we had a substitute for the first time this season! Will Main was supposedly fit this week and Phil Good had recovered from his groin strain. There had been some doubt over Rob Goodson's fitness midweek when he tweaked a hamstring getting into his car, Deben Nelson returned to the team not 100% fit after his 15th operation this year and his brother Joel was missing due to tummy shame.

Both sides started brightly, passing well and keeping possession. It was clear early on that the game was going to be fairly "fruity" when Will made an early drive for the D and an interesting reverse stick sweep tackle from a Pelly's centre back gave a clear free hit away. Warnings from umpire John Pestell were given and the game continued. Magpies pressured Pelly's well and were drawing fouls from the away teams backline, causing much frustration. It was at this point that the first card of 6 awarded during the match was produced, a green for a Pelly's player. Magpies pressure resulted in a short corner which was converted by Chris Thornton to give Magpies the lead. Defensively Magpies were playing well and keeping thier cool despite the clear frustrations and vocalised complaints from Pelly's about umpiring decisions. Late in the first half the Pelly's centre back was asked to take a breather for another erroneous tackle. Magpies went into the break 1-0 up.

Pelly's, still with only 10 men, entered the second half with resolve and took a quick goal after only two minutes to even the scores. It didn't take long for Magpies to respond and an opportunity presented itself to Chris Thornton who converted a reverse stick effort to make it 2-1. The Goodson brothers along with Jon Wells were holding and distributing the ball well from midfield building some good attacks. George Moore tested the Pelly defence on a number of occassions with his stick skills. A clear chance was sqaundered by Will when James Goodson skillfully dribbled to the baseline and made a great pass for a shot which should have resulted in a goal. Instead the shot was driven directly into the keepers pads and the opportunity was missed.

Magpies finished the game 2-1 winners, a well deserved result and a good confidence builder for next week when they play Dereham away.

Saturday 15 October
LADIES 1s v Old Loughtonians (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 1-0 W
LADIES 2s v Old Buckenham (L) (H) 1.45 (S) 3-1 W
LADIES 3 v Thetford (L) (A) 11.00 4-0 W
LADIES 4s v Pelicans 2s (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 2-4 L
LADIES 5s v North Walsham 2s (L) (A) 1.00 2-1 W
LADIES 6s v Herlings (L) (A) 2.00 1-8 L
GIRLS Dev. v Pelicans (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 2-1 W

MENS 2s v Long Sutton (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 4-1 W
MENS 3s v Cambridge Nomads 2s (L) (A) 5-1 W
MENS 4s v Norwich City 3s (L) (A) 1.00  1-2 L
MENS 5s v Pelicans 2s (L) (H) 3.15 (S) 2-1 W
MENS 6s v Magpies 7s (L) (A) 4.00 1-0 W
MENS 7s v Magpies 6s (L) (H) 4.00 (W) 0-1 L
BOYS Dev. v Norwich City (L) (H) 10.45 (S) 0-2 L

Sunday 16 October
MENS 1s v Bromley & Beckenham (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 2-2 D

National Cup
U16 Girls v Sudbury (Weybread) 5-0 W
U16 Girls v Norwich City 4-0 W

U18 Girls v Bury St Edmunds (A) match conceded to Magpies W

Harleston Magpies 3 - Old Buckenham 1

Magpies 2nds had yet another good win at home this week against Old Buckenham. The game started off slowly and despite having much of the play Magpies struggled to score. Magpies fell behind half way through the first half with an unlucky goal. After a good team talk at half time Magpies were keen to get back on level terms with quick passing between Holly Baker, Keira Booty and Lauren Barber. Once again the Magpies forward line worked well trying to get the goals they deserved with Lauren Barber narrowly missing out on a shot from the top of the D. Shortly after that Keira Booty scored a great goal after receiving a pass on the P-Spot and finishing off with a first time sweep into the corner of the goal. This seemed to be what Magpies needed with Emily Brown scoring a goal with a great flick over Old Buckenham's goalkeeper. Soon after this Keira Booty scored her second with another successful shot. Magpies continued to work hard with the defence allowing very few balls past them and clearing the ball well with plenty of passing around the back allowing good distribution for the midfielders. The ball was again in Magpies attacking half for most of the second half with Keira Booty trying for her third but narrowly missing out. Excellent support play from Siobhan Wooltorton resulted in some brilliant passes into the circle with the forwards unlucky to get on the receiving end. The whole team worked well as a unit throughout the match with continued pressure on the Old Buckenham defence causing many problems for the opposition. This was another good performance from the whole team with many positives to take into next week's match away to Broadland.

Man of the Match: Lauren Barber

Magpies 1 Old Loughtonians 0

Magpies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk secured their second league win of the season with a 1-0 victory against Old Loughtonians. The team's bad luck with illness and injury continued with two more players side lined before the match. Another new starting line up saw Emily Wilford return to the forward line and Verity Blyth start her first game in a new midfield role.

Magpies made a positive start to the game with the forwards finding space to run with the ball. This produced a number of free hits in threatening positions which Old Loughts defended well preventing Magpies getting a clear shot on target. Old Loughts went close to taking the lead with two penalty corners. Magpies best effort came from a penalty corner strike from Emily Wilford which was deflected over the cross bar by the keeper.

Magpies won a penalty corner at the start of the second half when Hannah Palmer performing very well in a new position won the ball after pressurising an Old Loughts defender and then releasing Emily Wilford to win a corner after being fouled in the circle. A strike from an acute angle from Anouska Hipperson beat the Old Loughts keeper and gave Magpies the lead.

Old Loughts continued to attack and look for the equaliser in a competitive second half. Magpies worked hard across midfield supported by strong tackles in defence to minimise these opportunities and were rewarded with their first clean sheet of the season. For the second week in a row Frances Sumner was the player of the match, she controlled the midfield by skilfully retaining possession and forcing the opposition to make mistakes. Magpies continued to press forward but were unable to increase their lead.

Magpies Ladies IV 2 - 4 Pelicans II

A lunchtime push-back at Weybread was the setting for the clash between the two newly-promoted teams in the Premier Division, and Magpies were looking to consolidate their win last weekend with a victory over Pelicans - the team that chased them all the way last season.

The match opened with a fast and furious pace, which set the scene for the entire 70 minutes. Magpies started well, playing around the Pelicans midfield, and making progress into the Pelicans D, but after 10 minutes, Pelicans opened the scoring, a somewhat soft goal following a counter attack. Magpies pressed the Pelicans defence, and thought they'd equalised when a Magpies stick connected with a high ball into the D and flew past the 'keeper; but the pass in was deemed too "dangerous" and the goal didn't stand. Magpies continued to push forward, with some lovely play down the right hand side with Vicky Blackmore, Sarah Legg and Tine Neill combining well. But with Pelicans fielding some strong players the score stayed at one nil going into half time.

Magpies came out for the second half confident they could get back into the match, but found themeselves at somewhat of a loss when Pelicans had an incredible 10 minutes of play and found themselves 4 nil up, with the home side not really sure what had happened! A fight back was mounted when a good ball into the D from Sarah legg found Kay Dennis in space to get a goal back. And Dennis got another shortly afterwards, a solo run into the D and round the back of the defence left her a tight angle from which she slipped the ball behind the 'keeper. Unfortunately for the home side though it was too little too late.

Special mention must go to Sarah Legg for another fantastic performance for Magpies, earning her the "man of the match" award for the second week running. A difficult match for Magpies, but they must not be disheartened - there is a long way still to go in the season, and the fight back starts away at Watton next week.

Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th's.

Another changed squad travelled to Sudbury this week missing Deben Nelson and Eddie Thorne but seeing the return of Will Main from injury. To say Will was returning from injury is possibly a sweeping statement as even when he is 'fit' to play there is usually something wrong with him. As always the pre match warm up played an essential part in our preparation, Robin Hayward stood on the sideline having a fag, keeper Steve Halliley took numerous puffs on his inhaler, Phil Good pulled his groin making a push pass, and Will was making excuses for his poor performance 'just in case'.

The game started brightly with both teams putting together some good passages of play and all things were fairly equal. Sudbury took the lead against the run of play but Magpies repsonded and won a number of short corners. Our well rehearsed short corner routine (it was put it together 2 minutes before push back) paid dividends as a bullet like injection from Will was taken into the D, round a player, and driven into the left hand corner of the goal by Jon Wells. In fairness a well deserved equaliser. Sudbury took another goal before half time to send Magpies into the break 2-1 down.

The second half left off where the first had finished with both teams playing some good passing hockey. Sadly the away side started to go off the boil a bit and some missed passes and lack lustre marking gave Sudbury opportunites and they looked threatening. Twice, due to a supposed lack of fitness, Will lost his man allowing Sudbury to capitalise on the attack and create two goals.

The final score read 6-1 to Sudbury, but there were a lot of positives to take from the game and overall Magpies played well considering that there has been no continuity in the squad since the pre-season friendlies.

This week the 5ths take on Pelicans at home, seeing the return of Deben Nelson and Eddie Thorne to the side. The key questions are whether Will is going to be 'fit' and will George Moore be subjecting us to his changing room Drum and Bass mash up mix again?

Magpies expect a large home crowd for the clash against Bromley and Beckenham when they visit Weybread on Sunday 2.15 p.m. So often the partisan spectators have eased the home team through difficult games against opposition who often feel the affects of the long trip to Norfolk. Whilst Magpies’ points have been gained against table toppers Holcombe, Bromley have yet to win a game.

Whilst last week’s result against Canterbury was a loss the margin did not reflect the game. Magpies had taken the lead with Canterbury drawing level just prior to the half time break. On the day Canterbury took their chances and the Norfolk side returned pointless. Despite this there were many encouraging facets to the game. Pete Bale’s return to the line up was marked by a faultless display and a number of players performed well with youngsters Alex Slater and Dann Legg having their best games of the season.

Whilst Magpies were able to beat Holcombe at home,and on their day they can beat anyone at Weybread, the league is certainly developing into two leagues. The top four sides look to have considerable playing resources which will result in these pulling away from the remainder. It is important that Magpies secure points against teams in the lower part of the league.

Tristan Baynes , Mark Wheelhouse and George Payne continue to be sidelined by injury, however David Ling and Elliot Smith return as does Mark Stacpoole following an impressive debut , but unavailability for the last three games through work.

Team from; Marc LLoyd; ;Richard Gill;Stuart Leate;Andy Bedwell;Pete Bale (Capt);Robbie Kinsella;Will Blythe;Tom Graham;Alex Slater;Richard Ling;Sebastion Knights;Dan Legg;Leigh Sitch;David Ling;Mark Stacpoole;Simon Hipwell;Elliot Smith

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1ST TEAM WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk are at home this Saturday against Old Loughtonians starting at 12.30.

Magpies will be very encouraged by their second half performance, when they fought back from a goal down against Ipswich the League leaders to level the scores with seven minutes to go. This was nothing less than Magpies deserved and was the result of increasing pressure on the visitors defence and if the equaliser had come earlier there was every chance Magpies could have gone on to snatch the winner. Anouska Hipperson scored on her first team League debut for Magpies.

At the moment the League table sees Harleston Magpies in 7th position with four points from four games whilst Old Loughtonians are in 8th position also with four points, but Magpies have a marginally better goal difference.

At the moment Old Loughtonians have played all their games away from home because of difficulties with their new pitches. They started with a1-1 draw with Maidsone, lost 4-0 to Ipswich, beat Horsham 3-1 and last week lost 3-0 to Oxford Hawks.

On current form there is nothing to choose between the teams and Magpies will be looking to secure a home win to push themselves up the League. With three successive home games it is very important that Magpies take full advantage. In all four League games this season Magpies have conceded the first goal, which makes life so much harder when you are continually chasing the game.

Lauren Mickleburgh missed last week's match through injury and she could well join Lucy Miller in being unavailable for several weeks. Fortunately this week Sarah Brook, Jess Howland and Emily Wilford are all available for first team action. Lizzie Jones has made the most of her opportunity with two excellent games as right defender.

PROBABLE SQUAD: Frances Sumner and Charlotte Harrison - Joint Captains, Katrina Warnes, Louisa Greenacre, Lizzie Jones, Lisa Griffin, Becky Baker, Naomi Hull, Anouska Hipperson, Sarah Brook, Jess Howland, Emily Wilford, Hannah Palmer, Angie Wheelhouse and Verity Blyth.

Magpies Ladies 3s 2-2 Norwich City Ladies 2s

Magpies welcomed Norwich City for a lunchtime pushback at Weybread, knowing that they faced a tough game as only City, Magpies and 1 other team had won all 3 previous league games. Magpies started well, pushing forward and keeping a lot of pressure on City's defence, eventually being rewarded with a Catherine Kilbourn goal, after she battled with multiple rebounds from City's keeper. City came back strongly from the restart, and despite multiple saves from keeper Kristina Erith, they managed to make it 1-1 shortly afterwards. Magpies had a spell of possession from the restart and Kilbourn managed to get her second goal after good attacking work by Georgina Minta and player of the match Jemima Jacobs, leading into the break 2-1. Both teams took a while to get going again after half time, giving away possession easily and not completing moves with the accuracy of the first half. City stepped up the speed and put extensive prolonged pressure on Magpies, but despite sweeper Julie Podd making numerous clearances and the intelligent defensive play from Sophie Moore, Frankie Eaves and Sophie Podd, with 10 minutes to go City scored again to make it a draw at full time. Magpies were unlucky not to get more from the game but look to pick up another win when they face Thetford away next week.

Felixstowe 3rd XI 2 Magpies 7th X 2

With several unavailabilities including all of the strike force of Jon Wells (on temporary loan to 5ths), Roger Kent (gone to a postcard fair)and Magic (staying out in NZ longer than the England rugby team), ten good men and true of Harleston took the field against Felixstowe who had won both their previous league games.

Harleston wore a change strip of green as Felixstowe play in white. This gave Harleston an immediate advantage as usually they don't pass to players in white shirts.

Harleston started brightly and a cross from the left to the near post was deflected across the front of the goal by Keith Alexander leaving Joe Walker a clear sight of goal from near the limit of his shooting range (2 yards). Better was to come when from the first short corner the initial save of David Blackmore's shot came out to Peter Dolton who scored.

The game then followed the pattern of the England football match against Montenegro with the away side two goals to the good, then conceding a goal and then after having a player sent off (albeit only on a yellow) conceding an equaliser in the final minutes. For the player sent off, this was a first ever yellow card in 26 seasons with Magpies and the first since 1984. If the time interval until the next is the same then the player will 86 when he next has an enforced rest.

Magpies did force several short corners in the last minutes but could not get the goal their performance deserved.

Overall this was a very good team performance especially considering the lack of an eleventh player, and an injury to Ian Absolon who nevertheless played as a target man for the second half. Next week is the most local of local derbies when the 7ths take on the 6ths. The Blackmore-Blackmore confrontation is eagerly awaited.

Harleston Magpies Men's 1st XI vs Canterbury (Away Fixture - Polo Farm) Saturday 8th October

Harleston men's first XI travelled to ex premier league side Canterbury in what promised to be a tough test. The home side contains some top players including the 2000 National Premier League player of the year Kwan Browne from Trinidad and Tobago. The home side welcomed the return of lead goal scorer Ben Wright and vice captain Peter Bale, however captain Mark Wheelhouse and Tristan Baynes had to miss the game through injury and David Ling was unavailable.

Magpies prepared well including an overnight stay and this showed as the team began the game in strong form and fully matched their opponents. Stand in defenders Alex Slater, Stuart Leate and Dan Legg stepped up to the task and were calm and controlled in their duties. Magpies pushed forward as often as possible and were rewarded following some incisive play down the left allowing the returning Simon Hipwell to first time the ball to Ben Wright who scored at the second time of asking. The home side responded by pushing hard in search of an equaliser but were rebuffed time and time again by solid work from the whole side whose effort was second to none. Magpies were still having an occasional chance at the other end but as the half drew to a close a mix up in the Harleston defence allowed an equaliser with the last hit altering the mood of both half time team talks and a sigh of relief by the home side.

Magpies came out hoping to match their first half efforts for the next 35 minutes but were undone by two quick goals to find themselves 3-1 down before they even got going leaving them with a mountain to climb. A more attacking approach was called for however with Magpies pushing forward, Canterbury were always going to threaten and when assisted by some questionable and inconsistent decisions from officials they were able to score 2 further goals including a penalty stroke to make it 5-1 to the hosts. To their credit Magpies did not give up but clear cut chances were limited and the score remained the same much to the credit of official man of the match Mark Lloyd in the Harleston goal. The team left Canterbury with their heads held high but will be very disappointed that they could not build on such a great first half but in the end must acknowledge that the stronger side took all three points.

Ladies 5ths 0 Dereham 4ths 0

Magpies started strongly with many attacking moves from the forwards Kara Kilbourn, Sophie Long and Emily McCluskey ably supported by the midfield of Shirley McAllen, Sophie Meynell-Anderson, Nicole Eaves and Harriet Underdown. However they could not break down a solid Dereham defence. The first half continued in this manner with Magpies having the lions share of the play but unable to convert their chances.

Dereham started the second half putting the Magpies defence of Janet Brown, Karen Ray, Molly Alexander and Laura Davidson under increasing pressure with Player of the Match Jess Harvey making several important saves in goal. The last quarter of the game saw good open play from both sides but the defences held firm.

Saturday 8 October
LADIES 1s v Ipswich (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 1-1 D
LADIES 2s v IES (L) (A) 11.30 2-1 W
LADIES 3 v Norwich City 2s (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 2-2 D
LADIES 4s v Thetford (L) (H) 4.00 (W) 2-0 W
LADIES 5s v Dereham 4s (L) (H) 10.45 (S) 0-0 D
LADIES 6s v Breckland (L) (A) 10.00 0-3 L
GIRLS Dev. v Yarmouth (L) (A) 10.00 2-0 W

MENS 1s v Canterbury (L) (A) 1.00 1-5 L
MENS 2s v Blueharts (L) (A) 12.00 1-4 L
MENS 3s v Sudbury (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 3-0 W
MENS 4s v IES (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 2-5 L
MENS 5s v Sudbury 2s (L) (A) 1-6 L
MENS 6s v Bury St Edmunds 4s (L) (H) 3.15 (S) 2-0 W
MENS 7s v Felixstowe 3s (L) (A) 3.30 2-2 D
BOYS Dev. v Norwich Dragons (L) (A) 4.00 1-0 W

Norwich Dragons 0 – 1 Harleston Magpies

Having lost the previous week to a very good Pelicans team, Magpies were determined to get back to winning ways against Dragons. The game started evenly with neither side creating any chances despite lots of good attacking intentions. As the half wore on Magpies started to dominate possession with lots of strong attacks down the right side involving Kieran Peters, Rob Scott and Jack Newbery. The opening goal eventually came following a flowing move started by Cameron Woodcock, a strong run from Harry Haigh and a great finish from close range from Sol Barker. Half-time score 1-0 to Magpies.

The second half saw Magpies dominate early exchanges with Jack Frere-Smith dominating the midfield and lots of hard work involving Alex Lawrence, Myles King and Jonty Hershel-Shorland. With ten-minutes remaining Dragons pushed hard for the equaliser but Ollie Sharp made a number of strong tackles and when Dragons did finally get into the circle Jordan Wiseman in goal coolly saw off the danger. Despite Dragons continued pressure Magpies always looked solid in defence and ran out deserved winners, maintaining their composure in the face of some robust tackling. Man of the match was Sol for his hard work and excellent passing.

Magpies second XI travelled to IES and had their toughest match to date before narrowly running out 2-1 winners.

A much changed squad from the previous week welcomed Catriona MacIver, Arianne and Dominique Dyball who were all playing their first games at East Level.

As expected IES were tenacious in their style of play and early exchanges unsettled Magpies however the Magpies Defence held firm. Lauren Barber playing at sweeper had her best game to date and stopped many goal scoring opportunities for IES.

Magpies gradually got in to the game and both Emily Brown and Keira Booty were creating opportunities but failed to beat an impressive IES keeper.

After the break Magpies were dominating possession but soon fell behind from a rare IES penalty corner.

Magpies replied five minutes later with Kira Wooltorton firing in a penalty corner and managed to secure the win in the final minutes with an excellent individual goal from Emily Brown who skillfully lifted the ball over the advancing Keeper.

This win enables Magpies to remain at the top of the table after four consecutive wins.

Player Of the Match Keira Booty

Harleston Magpies 1 Ipswich 1

Magpies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk faced local rivals Ipswich in their fourth East Conference League game of the season. Anouska Hiperson Holly Baker and Tania Pendreich joined the team for the first time to make National League debuts for the club. Magpies also welcomed Becky Baker to central defence.

Magpies created the first scoring opportunity of the match which saw a penalty corner strike cleared by the Ipswich defence. In the 17th minute Ipswich forward Micha Knowles took advantage of some poor defending and put her team ahead against the run of play.

Skilful forward play from Angie Wheelhouse and Hannah Palmer supported by Charlotte Harrison and Frances Sumner in midfield continued to apply pressure on the Ipswich goal creating a number of goal scoring chances which Magpies where unable to convert to get back on level terms before half term.

With key messages from coach Leigh Sitch taken on board at the break Magpies started the second half determined to score. The forward line continued to work hard and press the Ipswich defence and forced mistakes which provided Magpies with possession. Magpies attacked at speed down the right hand side with Hannah Palmer and Verity Blyth combining to find Anouska Hipperson at the top of the circle, Ipswich where relieved to see her shot narrowly miss the far post.

The Weybread crowd and the Magpies players believed they were back on level terms when a penalty corner strike from Becky Baker beat the keeper and hit the back board, but after an appeal from the Ipswich defence the umpires consulted and disallowed the goal. The next penalty corner produced a good save from the Ipswich keeper after Angie Wheelhouse deflected the ball to the far post to find Verity Blyth unmarked but the agile keeper smothered the shot.

Magpies defence of Lizzie Jones, Katrina Warnes and Becky Baker limited the oppositions attacking opportunities in the second half. One counter attack forced a good save from Lisa Griffin to keep Magpies in the game. It was not long before Magpies won another penalty corner. A change of routine saw Anouska Hipperson beat the keeper with a fierce strike from the top of the circle to score her first National League goal for Magpies while making her impressive first team debut. Another Ipswich appeal to the umpires failed to deny Magpies their equaliser.

Player of the match Frances Sumner was having an excellent game controlling the midfield and continued to threaten the Ipswich defence until the final whistle with her skill and creativity on the ball.

Magpies Ladies IV 2 - 0 Thetford

After picking up their first point of the season last week, Magpies were looking to go one better this weekend and get a win, and they faced Thetford in an early evening push-back at Weybread.

With light drizzle falling, Magpies started well, with communication high and the team playing as a complete unit. And with Thetford a player short, Magpies wanted to capitalise early on, and the home side were rewarded for their efforts when a lovely through ball from Josie Tibbenham cut the Thetford defence in half, and Kay Dennis ran the ball into the D and fired past the 'keeper into the corner. Magpies continued to play well, enjoying most of the possession but they couldn't extend their advantage going into half-time.

The second half saw Magpies pushed back more into their defensive half, with Thetford winning a couple of short corners, but Magpies stayed firm at the back and defended well. It was a battling half, with all 14 players for Magpies rotating in and fighting to keep their lead. Minutes before the final whistle Katie Webb made the game safe, finding herself one-on-one with the 'keeper to double the score.

A well-deserved victory for Magies, with credit going to Vicky Blackmore, Sarah Legg and captain Katie Mound for their outstanding defensive performances. Well done ladies!

Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th's.