Magpies faced their 13th game of the season at home to Loddon hoping to maintain their unbeaten record. Magpies started strongly with high intensity putting early pressure on Loddon's defence. Player of the match Annouska Hipperson worked tirelessly to create many chances however the Loddon goalkeeper denied her any goals this week. With the loss of Lauren Barber, Arianne Dyball stepped up to play her third second team game this season along with Keira Booty who joined the team after an injury. Krystal Bishop opened the scoring being first to react after both Holly Baker and Lucy Whiting had delivered many quality passes in to Loddon's defending Circle . Kira Wooltorton was unlucky when a superb struck goal after a well taken free hit was surprisingly disallowed. Krystal scored her second goal with Emily Brown adding another from a tight angle after using her pace to beat Loddon's defence leaving the score line at 3-0 at half time.

Magpies maintained their high work rate in the second half with the defence staying strong and rarely troubled. Krystal added another goal to gain a well deserved hatrick. Alongside Kira, Lucy Chubbock continued to use her tight stick skill to put relentless pressure on the Loddon team. Flora Marfleet in goal had no worries failing to touch the ball for a second week. The team now go into the christmas break winning 13 from 13 and are determined to carry on their hard work in the new year.

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES INDOOR REPORT

Harleston Magpies Ladies return to the Indoor Premier League after a few years absence was never going to be easy, especially with six players misssing from the team that won promotion so convincingly 12 months ago.

In their opening match on Saturday against Trojans Magpies started tentatively which in the end proved to be their downfall. After going 3-0 down Magpies started a late come back with two goals from Angie Wheelhouse and should have had a third if the umpire had not awarded a penalty corner as the ball crossed the line. However Magpies had left it too late.

In their second game Magpies lost 3-0 to Sutton Coldfield but with a much improved performance and were only let down by their inability to finish good situations.

On Sunday the quality of the opposition continued to get harder. Magpies took an early lead through Angie Wheelhouse against Slough, but Slough quickly responded with two goals. Two well taken penalty corners in the second half helped Slough run out 5-1 winners. In the afternoon Magpies played a strong Canterbury side and found themselves 3-0 down early in the first half. Magpies responed well with a great fighting performance to ensure that no more goals were conceded before half time. In the second half Magpies battled away with great spirit but in the end the quality of the opposition was too strong as Canterbury added two more goals.

Magpies were always fighting against the odds, but they showed great spirit and skill as they kept going right to the end, much to the appreciation of the neutrals in the crowd.

Louisa Greenacre as stand in Captain led the team well. Three players namely Hannah Palmer, Jess Howland and Lauren Barber all made their Indoor National League debuts starting at the highest level and did well.

Squad: Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Lisa Griffin, Katrina Warnes, Lauren Barber, Bryony Lund, Charlotte Harrison, Sarah Brook, Angie Wheelhouse, Jess Howland and Hannah Palmer.

The Premier League Indoor returns on Jan 7/8 when Magpies play Reading, Leicester, Clifton and Bowdon Hightown.

Magpies started with 5-2 win v Saffron Walden (goals by Kira Wooltorton, Holly Baker 2 and Sarah Brook 2)

Then excellent performance to overwhelm Canterbury 7-1 with 2 goals by Sarah, one each from Catriona Mciver and Emily Brown and a superb hat trick by Holly Baker.

Magpies then played an almost perfect indoor performance to beat Ipswich 5-0 thanks to a hat trick of penalty corners by Sarah and further goals by Holly and Lizzie Jones.

Magpies now knew that they had qualified for the Nationals but still had to play Old Loughts to decide 1st / 2nd place in the East. Magpies started this very physical game slowly to be 3-0 down at half time. However, a great final effort in the second half saw Sarah score from 3 more penalty corners. A frantic last few minutes saw keeper Ellie O Sullivan pull off a couple of vital saves to ensure Magpies finished 1st with 10 points. Old Loughts were 2nd with 8 points and Ipswich 3rd with 7pts.

Other squad members not mentioned above were Catherine Ridley, Katherine Kilbourn, Saffron Wilford and Arianne Byball.

Magpies 7ths v Dereham 5ths

Saturday 3rd December

In the last couple of weeks we have beaten top and 2nd in the league, this week we faced 3rd from bottom, so in theory much easier opposition. Only 2 substitutes on the bench this week, Captain Murray away and Dolly away, the latter presumably still recovering from his MOTM performance 1 week ago. This also meant Chopper deputising in goal and less banter on the pitch.

Magpies started well, passing the ball and creating opportunities that were squandered. Dereham were then allowed back into the game as our passing deserted us. After about 20mins however, Eric did finally break the backlines of Dereham, and put the ball in the goal. Soon after Roger Kent managed to persuade the ball over the line after using his presence to make the keeper decide that he looked better lying down with Kent on top of him. The half was completed with a short corner which was dispatched perfectly by Jon Wells, his usual power and accuracy returning. 3-0 half time.

The 2nd half carried on in the same vein, magpies playing in a very disjointed fashion, with all players responsible for poor passing and giving possession away easily. This is where Chopper came in handy! He was always in the way when required to be, covering his angles well and being verbal towards his defenders. His match performance was by far the best in my opinion of any of his team mates.

Eventually Magpies managed a 4th goal scored by Ian. Dereham decided to have a go at this point, and with defending being slightly weak, they smashed in their 1st. 4-1. Magpies tried to play, but passing was still a miss. Eventually after good work down the right by D.Blackmore, a 5th goal was squeezed in at the post, off the keepers pads from about 3inches by Magic, (and yes roger, I am claiming it). Shortly after this, Magic was moved to left back. Unfortunately it wasn't long with Miller not paying attention followed by a poor pass, that led to a Dereham goal, 5-2. This seemed to kick start the team into better hockey, as we started to play the best hockey of the entire game, ending in good work by Bardi, interlinking well with Wells, eventually dispatched into the goal by Joe, from his usual range. There was still time for another surprise and Dereham got their 3rd goal. Final score 6-3.

This was far from a good performance by any stretch of the imagination. However, a win is a win, 7th on the bounce for this team. Next week against a team above Magpies, team defending will have to be back to its normal frugal status.

MOTM – Richard 'chopper' Alcock (goal)

DOTD – Magpies 7th team defending.

Deputy reporter – Tom 'Magic' Miller

Harleston Magpies 4 Ipswich 0

This week Magpies were playing Ipswich at home in what promised to be a closely fought match with Ipswich third in the league, having only lost two matches. Magpies were up for the challenge of keeping their 100% record in tact and started strongly winning an early short corner. After a couple of attempts at the short corner routine, the new tactics paid off when Krystal Bishop deflected the ball over the keeper's foot putting the home side 1-0 ahead. Magpies kept the pressure up, knowing that the second goal was crucial, and performed some excellent linked play from Krystal Bishop, Kira Wooltorton and Emily Brown creating many chances that the team were unfortunate to convert into another goal. However, Ipswich managed a quick break into the Magpies own half, but Magpies' strong defence of Frances Taylor, Siobhan Wooltorton and Georgia Pearson confidently cleared the ball. Magpies stayed alert and an outstanding ball from Lauren Barber into the opposition's circle and a sneaky touch on the ball from Lucy Whiting lead to Magpies' second goal of the game, finishing off the first half.

The second half of the game started very evenly and even though it was clear that both teams were becoming tired and worn out, they both powered through. 20 minutes into the second half, Magpies gained control of the game again with the ball being maintained in Ipswich's half. Anouska Hipperson and Jess Howland worked well together placing the ball into the circle where Lucy Whiting was unlucky to miss the ball with her impressive dive, showing her full commitment to the team. Determined to keep a clean sheet, Magpies continued to pressure the Ipswich side and the third goal came from an outstanding shot from Anouska Hipperson. More even play continued as both teams tired, but this was soon followed by a great run down the right and a brilliantly crossed ball from Emily Brown. Anouska Hipperson was positioned correctly leading to Magpies' fourth and final goal of the game. Magpies continued to work through the game right up until the final whistle.

Player of the match was awarded to Krystal Bishop for her continuous efforts throughout the game.

EAST WOMEN'S INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP AT CAMBRIDGE

Harleston Magpies Ladies finished second in the East Indoor Championship at Cambridge. This Tournament was a useful warm up prior to playing in the Indoor National League Premier Division at Bristol next weekend.

Magpies made a promising start against Chelmsford with some excellent defending and early in the second half Magpies were 3-0 up with goals from Sarah Brook, Bryony Lund and Hannah Palmer. Two goals from Chelmsford gave them a slightly flattering score line but Magpies played out time comfortably.

In the second game Magpies lost a close game 3-2 but Magpies had every chance of drawing level. Magpies did not defend very well in the first half and Lisa Griffin in goal was called upon to make some excellent saves. From 3-1 down Magpies produced a strong second half performance and had enough chances to level the scores with goals from Hannah Palmer and Sarah Brook. Magpies hit the post and failed to score from a penalty flick.

Against Old Loughtonians Magpies produced a spluttering performance but eventually came out 4-2 winners with goals from Angie Wheelhouse, Hannah Palmer, Sarah Brook and Jess Howland.

In the final game Magpies ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against St Albans with Angie Wheelhouse and Sarah Brook scoring the goals.

Squad: Frances Burrell (Capt), Lisa Griffin, Katrina Warnes, Louisa Greenacre, Bryony Lund, Sarah Brook, Claire Gavin, Jess Howland, Hannah Palmer and AngieWheelhouse.

Uea 2nds 1 Magpies 5ths

UEA started the game very strongly playing good open hockey which Magpies found difficult to contend with. Jess Harvey in goal kept Magpies in the game making several fine saves before UEA took a well deserved lead.

The game changed in the second half with Magpies having the majority of the play whilst UEA looked dangerous on the break but defenders Laura Davidson and May Bowden nullified any attacks. Midfielders Sophie Meynell-Anderson and Player of the Match Nicole Eaves worked tirelessly to help create chances for forward Sophie Long, Emily McCluskey Harriet Underdown and Imogen Meynell-Anderson but Magpies could not find the equaliser.

NEW! - Osteopathy - special offer

Ex-Magpie Kathryn Macdonald runs a successful Osteopathy and Complementary Healthcare business in Beccles and is pleased to offer Magpie Club members a special reduced fee rate for osteopathic treatment.

Kathryn has played Junior England and National Premier League hockey and she is currently Chelmsford Ladies’ 1st team coach.

Kathryn has been an osteopath for 17 years and has therefore put her hockey knowledge to great use when dealing with sports injuries and rehabilitation for back and neck problems.

Kathryn is offering osteopathy at a 43% reduced fee of £20 per session instead of the usual £35. She has two colleagues who are also available six days a week and on Thursday evenings.

For more information visit her website www.manorhousepractice.co.uk or call 01502 712505.