Magpies 7s v Pelicans 3s

Saturday 24th March

With promotion for a second successive year still on, a win was a must, missing 3 regulars meant the task was slightly daunting, but we gained a hidden gem for the afternoon, someone by the name of Danny who hadn't played for 12 yrs; here's hoping he is a regular fixture next season. The game was rearranged from earlier in the season, when it had been abandoned during the second half with Magpies 2-0 up, due to an every freezing pitch and apparently dangerous playing conditions.

A frozen pitch was not in danger on this day, the hottest match of the year, blue skies and sizzling sun, and for a while at least, sizzling hockey with it. The game ebbed and flowed, Magpies looking extremely comfortable in possession, having the time and confidence to pass the ball back to retain possession. 1st goal came from a good break, which resulted in two initial shots being saved, but with the 3rd being hit well my R.Alcock. Not long after that another break away goal and a good finish by R.Kent, 2-0 at half time.

2nd half started off in the same vein, another break away and another goal, this time a good reverse flick finish by D.Blackmore. 3-0 and Magpies appeared to be in complete control. At this point, the two substitutes were standing on the side line saying, "3 goals should be enough…", the other replying, "4 would be better", his comment turned out to be very accurate.

Pelicans shortly scored there 1st to make it 3-1. Then 3-2…and with Magpies doing their best to defend, they created another break away moment, the ball coming to Blackmore in the middle who drove and once at the top of the D, passed a perfect pass for one of the strikers, easier to score than miss, unfortunately we missed. But for a player who is only in his 3rd game back after playing Rugby for the last 18yrs, marked improvement is being shown. With minutes ticking away a short corner was controvertially awarded with 2 minutes left on the clock. This was dispatched by Pelicans to make it 3-3. A very disappointing collapse, and I can't put my finger on why. Maybe the sun was taking its toll. Either way, we must all remember, Harleston Magpies Hockey Club is an inclusive club for all abilities.

MOTM; D.Blackmore

DOTD; 7th team 2nd half collapse

Next match was Felixstowe at home, 31st March. This has just been conceded, giving Magpies a 3-0 win. This strangely keeps us still with a mathematical chance of gaining promotion. Now level on points with Dereham in 2nd, who have two games to play to our one. Last game of the season, away to BSE 3s, 14th April.