HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1ST TEAM WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk are at home this Saturday against Horsham starting at 12.30. After two extremely tough weekends of double headers, Magpies will be grateful to return to just one league match this weekend.

Despite two hard weekends Magpies have turned their season around with four successive wins against Old Loughtonians 1-0, Maidstone 5-1, Oxford Hawks 1-0 and Ipswich 1-0. In their last four League games before the Christmas break Magpies had lost 2-0, 3-0, 4-0 and 5-0 in succession as they were increasingly conceding goals and struggling to score. At Christmas Magpies had ten points and were four points from the relegation zone. After four wins since Christmas Magpies now have 22 points and are 14 points clear of relegation. A truly remarkable turn around.

This Saturday Magpies take on Horsham who are struggling this season as they are currently bottom of the league with four points. Magpies will not take the fixture lightly as they are the only team to have lost to Horsham this season, having been beaten 2-0. Based on the way Horsham played that day it is surprising to see them struggling at the bottom. Horsham will be captained by former Magpies player Emma Whipps.

The return and availability since Christmas of Emma Lee-Smith, Lucy Miller, Debbie Francis, Catherine Cranmer and Emily Wilford have strengthened the team enormously. Even Charlotte Lee-Smith has played in goal in the absence of Lisa Griffin on three occasions.

Last weekend in the absence of Charlotte Harrison, Lauren Barber took her chance with a player of the match performance on Saturday and a goal on Sunday.



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

Harleston Mixed 3 – Dereham Mixed 4

In the second round of the mixed cup competition Harleston hosted a strong Dereham side who had reached the quarter finals of the competition last season. With the fixture falling on a tough weekend for the Harleston squad with many rearranged games being played it was nice to see a strong squad for the game.

The game started at a quick tempo, Dereham trying to exploit the pace upfront by crashing long balls down the middle of the pitch. Despite a few early foot races between Dereham forwards and the Magpies defence of Dyson, Bedwell, Warnes and Cramner it was Magpies who broke the deadlock after 17 minutes. The goal coming when goal machine Robbie Kinsella reacted quickest in the area to follow up a well struck and saved short corner from Phil Cobbald. Despite taking the lead Dereham continued to look dangerous on the break and James Lane had to react smartly in his area to clear up a through ball.

Magpies continued to search for the second goal, a well worked moved involving Wilford, Thornett and Ridley won the team a short corner which went narrowly wide. Despite the number of corners that the team were winning they were unable to convert the chances.

Dereham came out fighting in the second half and scored two quick goals, this shocked Magpies who fought bravely back to 2-2 when Phil Cobbald converted the penalty stroke that he had won following a short corner. With the game now in the balance Dereham continued to look for a goal on the counter attack, leaving 3 forwards high in the Harleston half. Dereham again snatched the lead with a breakaway goal – this left Magpies reeling and with the team pushing forward for a vital equaliser Dereham struck again with a dubious goal. Magpies now needed to act swiftly Kevin Ridley caused havoc with his skills at the top of the circle before releasing Robbie Kinsella to smash the ball home. This was to be the last action of the game with Harleston going down 4-3 at the end of an enthralling match.

Thanks to all of the team for turning out some of whom were playing their third match of a tiring weekend.

Leigh Sitch

Harleston Magpies 3 Yarmouth 0

Magpies started confidently from the very beginning of the match keepinag most of the play in the opposition's half. This led to Magpies earning a short corner early on in the game. They were unfortunate not to score from a deflection on the back post that the keeper skilfully blocked. Magpies continued to pressure Yarmouth in their attacking half and with continuing efforts, a stray ball found its way to Anouska Hipperson who, with a first time shot, fired the ball into the bottom left corner, scoring the first goal of the game. After a period of good play around the back from the defenders, Magpies managed to get the ball back into their attacking half through the tiring Yarmouth side and create good opportunities on goal with a deflection off Lucy Whiting's stick which went straight into Yarmouth's keeper's pads. More short corners were won up until half time, but Magpies were unfortunate to get anything from them.

The second half started with an impressive run down the right wing from Anouska Hipperson who linked with Lucy Whiting to earn themselves yet another short corner. Yarmouth managed to break from one of these short corners but Magpies' strong defence of Georgia Pearson, Holly Baker, Frances Taylor and player of the match Siobhan Wooltorton successfully cleared the ball, denying Yarmouth any chance to score. Another run down the right wing, this time from Lucy Whiting, led Magpies back into the Yarmouth half. Some excellent passing between Anouska Hipperson and Lucy Whiting around Yarmouth's defence and keeper gave Magpies a 2-0 lead with a nifty shot behind the keeper from Lucy Whiting. With Magpies pressing high up the pitch, Yarmouth struggled to get much of the play and were unable to create many chances. Fiona Mackenzie returned after three months out due to injury, and made her mark as she made strong tackles high up the pitch, with the help the midfield making it difficult for Yarmouth to break out of their own half. Holly Baker had a strong game at right half and with some great attacking skills put an excellent pass into the circle for Krystal Bishop to score the third goal of the game with her infamous reverse stick "dink" behind the keeper.

Magpies continued to pressure the Yarmouth team until the final whistle and were rewarded with a comfortable 3-0 win after a strong performance from the whole team.

Harleston Magpies Men's 1st XI vs Old Loughtonians (home) 2.15pm 26th February 2012

Magpies next challenge of the weekend was to play 2nd placed Old Loughtonians from Essex. This is a side full of many ex junior internationals and those that have played in the premier league in the past. The game in Essex had been a close run thing with Magpies narrowly going down 3-4. Strikers Stackpoole, Wright and Tommy Graham returned to the Magpies side.

Today's game was a little different from the game in Essex and despite a much more solid performance from the hosts, the away side's counter attacking and slick finishing proved to be too much for a Magpies team who now find themselves at the base of the table.

Despite a bright start from Harleston a miss placed pass only 2 minutes into the game allowed the vistors to break at pace with the ball ending up in the Harleston net. Magpies rallied back and tried to pressurise the the away sides defence into an error. They won a couple of short corners and created chances unfortunately none however could produce an equaliser. Soon it was 2-0 when Harry Martin, who is a contender for an Olympic GB place, was afforded time and space on 17 minutes to enter the circle from the Harleston left and dispatch a reverse stick strike up into the net. The game was much more even after this but the score remained the same as the half time whistle blew.

The second half began in a similar fashion with some end to end play. Old Loughtonian's missed a flick in calamitous style with a pee roller saved easily by Leonard. Magpies were harshly denied a goal back when Stackpoole's shot was judged to be going wide before it was deflected in, and therefore considered dangerous. Magpies continued to press and won another short corner with 10minutes left on the clock. But instead of it being a way back into the game, the corner broke down and Old Loughts rapidly progressed up the pitch to knock in their 3rd and effectively kill the game off. Magpies didn't give up though and their work rate was excellent in the majority of cases, with some good attacking play. Harleston changed to 3 at the back in the hope of finding a goal but with everyone pressing forward they were again made to pay with two more quick fire goals from the Essex side. A cheeky lob by Ben Wright after good work from James Fanger looked to have given some credibility but there was still enough time for Loughts to score two more and leave Magpies staring down the barrels of 1-7 loss.

A difficult weekend for the men in white and black. Lessons to be learned and time to roll up the sleeve if Magpies are going to show everyone that they can escape their current precarious situation.

Harleston Magpies Men's 1st XI vs Canterbury (home) 2.15pm 25th February 2012

Magpies went into a second weekend of double fixtures this time against the leagues top two sides. First up was Canterbury, league leaders and ex premier league side. They also have Kwan Browne amongst their ranks, an ex premier league player of the year from Trindad and Tobago. Harleston were missing strike duo Ben Wright and Mark Stacpoole and also Leigh Sitch who was coaching the ladies first team.

The game started with Canterbury dictating the play and Magpies trying to steal possession when possible. Reece Leonard was brought into action early on but he and his defence stood firm. Unfortunately this did not last long and the visitors took the lead through a well worked corner and this meant Magpies were already facing an uphill struggle. Unfortunately Magpies struggled to maintain possession but did create a good chance which unfortunately went narrowly wide. Before half time Canterbury managed to secure another corner which was well dispatched by one of the leagues top scorers.

Magpies tried to rally after half time but unfortunately their own mistakes allowed Canterbury more chances and another short corner was converted soon after to complete Michael Farrer's hatrick. David Ling was unfortunate to make a mistimed tackle that resulted in a sin bin offence and Magpies were now down to ten. The leagues top goal scorer and ex England international Dave Matthews found space in the circle to make it 4-0 on 44 minutes but to their credit Magpies never gave up. A great break by James Fanger resulted in a cross which Simon Hipwell got a touch to and the goalie unsure of his position watched the ball roll into the goal. The next few minutes saw Canterbury hold possession well and again Matthews found a yard of space to convert for his brace. The game finished with some resolute defending from the home side but when the full time whistle went Canterbury had deserved their win.

Magpies will be dissapointed that they were not disciplined enough when they were in possession but will accept that Canterbury are a very good side and are deserved in their lofty position.

Ipswich 0 Harleston Magpies 1

Harleston Magpies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk completed an exhausting weekend with a fourth successive league victory away to local rivals Ipswich.

After Saturday's tiring victory away to Oxford Hawks, Magpies knew that the squad's fitness and commitment would be tested by an Ipswich team determined not to be beaten on their home ground for the second successive season.

The game started evenly with both teams sharing possession. Ipswich won the first penalty corner but did not find the target. Magpies began to gain momentum and pressurised the Ipswich team in all positions across the pitch.

The deceive moment came in the 19th minute when Emily Wilford's penalty corner strike forced the Ipswich keeper to make a diving save at her left post, Ipswich could not recover in time to stop Lauren Barber from lifting the ball over the keeper and past the defenders on the line to score her first National League goal and put Magpies ahead.

The Magpies squad were able to make changes in the second half to ensure they kept the game flowing at a high tempo. Debbie Francis, Sarah Brook, Fran Burrell and Lizzie Jones worked tirelessly in midfield to regain possession of the ball and find the forwards in space to attack the Ipswich circle. Emily Wilford came closest to increasing Magpies lead when a fierce strike flew past the far post.

As Ipswich pushed forward to try and find an equaliser Magpies continued to defend well, with the midfield supporting the back three to stop a number of Ipswich attacks with effective channelling and strong tackles.

The Magpies defence will be disappointed with the number of penalty corners they conceded in the second half providing Ipswich with a number of opportunities to equalise. At these crucial set pieces the Magpies defence remained focussed and kept their second clean sheet of the weekend thanks to some excellent saves from Magpies keeper Charlotte Lee-Smith. The best save coming from a lifted strike from an Ipswich forward which she saw late but reacted quickly to deflect wide with her left hand.

For the second weekend in a row Magpies have taken maximum points from two league games to move up to fifth place in the East Conference.

Player of the match: Louisa Greenacre

Oxford Hawks 0 Harleston Magpies 1

Harleston Magpies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk produced one of their best team performances of the season to secure another crucial league victory in the National League East Conference.

Magpies started the game confidently and pressed the Hawks defence to gain possession of the ball and attack the Hawks circle with Katrina Warnes finding Emily Wilford who tested the keeper with an early deflection. The Hawks grew in confidence and soon began to stretch the Magpies midfield and defence. A dangerous counter attack from the Hawks forwards was stopped by a well timed tackle from Lucy Miller on the edge of the circle who made an impressive return to the Magpies defence in only her second game of the season.

Magpies work rate remained high as the game switched from defence to attack throughout the half. The two evenly matched teams played out a goalless first half with neither team conceding or gaining a short corner.

Magpies organisation and structure continued to improve in the second half. Fran Burrell and player of the match Lauren Barber combined well in attack and defence on the right creating the first short corner of the half when Hannah Palmer was tripped after beating a Hawks defender. The corner was strike was well saved by the Hawks keeper.

Magpies where reduced to ten players on two separate occasions in the second half providing the Hawks with a player advantage. But it was Magpies who took the lead when back to full strength. Angie Wheelhouse picked up the ball and sprinted into the circle and skilfully won a short corner. Fran Burrell's strike was deflected high into the roof of the net by Hannah Palmer scoring her first league goal for Magpies in the 59th minute.

With ten minutes to go the Hawks increased the pressure on Magpies defence trying to get back into the game. Lauren Barber continued to win the ball at right midfield restricting the Hawks opportunities.

A nervous last five minutes resulted in Magpies conceding a series of penalty corners. The Hawks could not break down a determined Magpies defence who had worked hard all game and deserved to keep a clean sheet to secure all three points.

Player of the Match : Lauren Barber

Magpies Ladies IV 0 - 6 UEA I

After a break from league action for almost a month, Magpies faced a tough test on their return to the hockey pitch when they welcomed second-placed UEA to Weybread for an early afternoon push back.

Magpies started the match with a changed formation, playing two upfront with a diamond in the midfield, with Tina Neill playing a pivoting role at the point; and the idea worked well as the team settled into their new positions. Magpies had a positive opening to the match, playing the ball out wide, and working hard when possession was lost to regain their momentum. Unfortunately for the home side they went a goal down when the ball failed to be cleared off the line and UEA scrambled it over to take the lead. And when the away side forward lost her marker, UEA doubled their lead with a competent push past the Magpies 'keeper. Magpies kept their shape, and continued to play some good hockey, but couldn't find a way to penetrate the strong UEA defence. An unlikely deflection off a Magpies stick after a short corner strike saw the ball loop into the goal, leaving the 'keeper with no chance, to further extend UEA's lead. The away side grabbed a fourth shortly before the break.

Magppies kept their positive outlook and came out for the second half strongly, enjoying some early possession and making ground into UEA's defensive third, but could still not get a goal back. Ellie O' Sullivan in the Magpies goal made several quality saves to keep the scoreline down, but after five successive short corners UEA found some space to slip the ball into the far corner, and it wasn't long before they added a sixth. A quality performance from the Norwich based side.

Magpies must take heart from their positive performance, and take their team spirit, and new ideas, into next week's early morning game against Evergreens at Holt.



Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th's.

Magpies Face League Leaders in Crucial Double-Header

Magpies returned from their double header in London a point nearer the team just above them. However whilst two draws over the weekend was a satisfactory haul it could have been four points and a position higher up the table. A 2-2 result against Oxted was satisfactory as the equaliser came eight minutes from time. The Sunday 5-5 draw was a fine game of hockey, Magpies never being behind and losing the lead with just two minutes to go. This weekend, once again a double header, but this time against the teams occupying first and second positions in the table. Both games will be played at Weybread, league leaders Canterbury visit on Saturday push back 2.15p.m. and Old Loughtonians on Sunday.Whilst points against both sides will be a tall order , Magpies are playing well and are a tough side to beat at home with their partisan crowd behind them. Ben Wright ,Mark Stackpoole , and Tom Graham are likely to miss Saturday’s game but will be available for Sunday, Leigh Sitch is unavailable due to coaching commitments, but a strong squad is available which is more than capable of securing points over the weekend.

Squad from; Richard Gill;Tristan Baynes;;Andy Bedwell;Pete Bale;Richard Ling;Sebastion Knights;Tristan Baynes;David Ling;Rees Leonard;;BenWright;Mark Stackpoole;MarkWheelhouse(Capt);.JamesFanger;RhodriFurlong;Will.Blyth;Elliot Smith;Simon Hipwell;Tom Graham

Harleston Magpies Men's 1st XI vs Oxted (away) 15.30 18th February 2012

Harleston Magpies 1st team travelled down to the South East for a double header weekend following the re-arrangement of the Oxted game from 2 weeks ago. Oxted were 2 points ahead of Magpies going into this fixture and had won 5-1 at Weybread early in the season. Apart from top goal scorer Ben Wright and Captain Mark Wheelhouse, the side was as strong as it had been for a long time and the team were well prepared. The game was played through difficult weather conditions with driving rain but the pitch was fast and the game began at a good pace. 10 minutes in the home side took the lead when their most skilful player was able to slot home. Oxted looked to push on but Magpies were still creating chances with Mark Stacpoole and Tristan Baynes looking in fine form. After 22 minutes Magpies stole possession and with some incisive passing from Baynes and Tommy Graham, Peter Bale was able to collect, turn and shoot from the top of the circle, crashing the ball between the goalkeepers legs. At 1-1 the game continued to half time evenly matched but with both sides needing the 3 points a tight second period was anticipated. Unfortunately for Magpies it was the home side who broke the stalemate with a rapid counter attack being finished expertly with a deft deflection. Oxted continued their pressure and soon had the chance extend their lead when Magpies goalkeeper Reece Leonard brought down an Oxted forward in the circle. Fortunately for Magpies it was a poor flick which drifted wide of the post and hope was refuelled in the away side. With 8minutes left Baynes again created another opportunity with the returning James Fanger, re-signed from Chelmsford, knocking the ball square of the on rushing keeper for a grateful Bale, who had just finished a night shift in hospital, to knock in his second and Magpies equaliser. The last few minutes were end to end with opportunities for both sides. Debutant and junior Welsh international Rhodrif Furlong was harshly sin binned for Magpies, after an excellent performance. The numbers were soon even though when an Oxted player prevented Richard Gill's through ball aerial from reaching its target by raising his stick above his head and received his marching orders. The game finished with honours even and Magpies happy to take a point. Thoughts were immediately turned to the next day and a match against bottom side Bromley and Beckenham.



Harleston Magpies Men's 1st XI vs Bromley and Beckenham (away) 19th February 2012

Magpies woke fresh and ready for their second match after some relaxation and team bonding in a hotel between the two fixtures. Ben Wright and Mark Wheelhouse returned with Leigh Sitch coaching the ladies 1s and unavailable. The weather was cold but bright and Magpies started the stronger. Mark Stacpoole disposed his man on the left and his subsequent reverse stick strike could not be stopped by the home sides keeper. Soon it was two nil when another mistake from the home defence allowed Richard Ling to turn his man and then knock the ball between goalie and defender into the net, his first national league goal since returning to the side. Unfortunately despite Magpies being the better side a slick short corner and a penalty stroke brought the scores levels in quick succession with David Ling also being sin binned for the stroke offence. Fortunately there was just time before the half time whistle for Stacpoole to again rob his man and cross for Ben Wright who calmly slotted in to make it 3-2. The second half started much the same as the first with Magpies re-establishing a two goal through a brilliant reverse stick strike from Ben Wright in off the post. Bromley hit straight back with another short corner only 4 minutes later and as is often the case between the two sides the game became end to end. A brilliantly dispatched short corner from Tristan Baynes almost straight from the restart again looked to have given Magpies more breathing space but the home side countered with another corner finish of their own to set up a tense last 15 minutes. Magpies seemed to have settled and kept the ball well but when a decision appeared to have been given their way and the right side of the Magpies team stepped up, Bromley took the free hit for themselves and broke quickly into the evacuated space to tap in passed the again impressive Reece Leonard to draw the scores level at 5-5. Magpies players and staff surrounded the umpire but the decision remained. Magpies grabbed one last chance with a penalty corner just as the final whistle blew. Baynes flicked well but with the goalkeeper watching helplessly, the line man knocked the ball wide and the home side breathed a sigh of relief and Magpies were left thinking what could have been.

Magpies will be disappointed not to have got the 3 points on Sunday but should look to the positives of both performances and be pleased to have continued their improvement from the last half of the season. Next week sees another double header against two of the leagues best sides - Canterbury and Old Loughtonians.

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1ST TEAM WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk play another double header this weekend as they catch up with matches cancelled following the bad weather. On Saturday Magpies make the long trip to Oxford for a 12.00 start and return for a local derby match against Ipswich on Sunday for a 1.30 start.

Magpies had two tremendous results last weekend with a 1-0 away win at Old Loughtonians and followed this up with a ruthless 5-1 home win against Maidstone. These were two massive results for Magpies, as they pulled away from the lower end of the table. At the start of the weekend Magpies were just two points ahead of Maidstone and finished by opening up an eight points gap and increased the gap with Old Loughtonians from four points to seven points, as they moved up to 6th place.

Oxford Hawks are 4th in the League and also had a very successful weekend with wins over Ipswich and Maidstone both 1-0. This will be a very tough game for Magpies and on Sunday another difficult game with Ipswich who are in 5th place. In the earlier matches Magpies beat Oxford 2-0 at home and drew 1-1 with Ipswich.

SQUAD FROM: Frances Burrell and Charlotte Harrison - Joint Captains, Lisa Griffin, Charlotte Lee-Smith, Katrina Warnes, Louisa Greenacre, Lauren Barber, Lizzie Jones, Sarah Brook, Jess Howland, Hannah Palmer, Angie Wheelhouse, Emily Wilford, Emma Lee-Smith,Ellie Bale, Catherine Cranmer and Debbie Francis.

Harleston Magpies 4 Broadland 0

After a break of three weeks due to the recent cold weather, Harleston Magpies Ladies 2nd team returned to winning ways with a convincing win over Broadland 1st team. Magpies started the match the stronger of the two sides and were able to apply constant pressure on the Broadland defence for the first twenty minutes. The Broadland keeper was forced into making plenty of saves to keep her side in the game with the Magpies forwards struggling to find the back of the goal after impressive build up play from the midfield. Krystal Bishop managed to break the deadlock at 25 minutes when she was found unmarked in the D and she finished off in style with a strong shot low into the goal. Magpies continued to press the Broadland defence hard before half time and deservedly won a few short corners. At the second short corner, captain Frances Taylor scored from a powerful strike at the top of the D taking the team into half time 2-0 up and full of confidence.

After half time the Magpies forwards worked hard to create chances and led by Lucy Miller, on her return to hockey after injury, the team didn't have to wait long for another goal to be scored. Saffron Wilford was rewarded for her impressive attacking display as she scored Magpies 3rd goal of the game after the Broadland keeper was unable to save her fierce strike. Magpies spent almost the entire second half on the attack with Kira Wooltorton linking well down the right with Emily Brown creating numerous opportunities. Lauren Barber finished off a man-of-the-match performance with her first goal of the season coming from a well worked short corner. The whole team defended well as a unit and as a result limited Broadland's attacking chances and goalkeeper Flora Marfleet was only called into action once making a crucial save to her left to keep a clean sheet.

Magpies were unlucky not to score more goals after a few players hit the post no less than three, possibly four times! This was a strong all round performance from the whole team and Magpies will look to play in the same positive style in next week's match against Yarmouth.

MOTM – Lauren Barber

DOTD – Lucy Miller

Harleston Magpies 5 Maidstone 1

Magpies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk secured their biggest victory of the season when they hit five past Maidstone at Weybread on Sunday. This victory gave Magpies a maximum six points from the weekend's double header.

A fast tempo from the first whistle put Maidstone on the back foot and when Angie Wheelhouse passed to Emma Lee-Smith she struck a reverse stick shot from an acute angle which beat the Maidstone keeper at the near post and put the home team ahead in the 3rd minute.

Magpies continued to press forward but were frustrated by the Maidstone keeper who kept her team in the game. The Magpies defence limited the Maidstone attack to one clear attempt on goal.

The hard work of the Magpies midfield and forward line was rewarded before half time. Emily Wilford scored Magpies second in the 29th minute followed 2 mintues later with the teams third, a penalty corner strike from Emma Lee-Smith.

Within a minute of the restart Magpies had extended their lead further. Debbie Francis intercepted the ball on the half way line and passed the ball to Emily Wilford who sprinted past the Maidstone defence into the circle and undercut the ball into the roof of the net.

Magpies gained possession from the Maidstone re start and attacked at pace down the left working the ball into the circle. Lucy Miller made an immediate impact in her first game this season after returning from illness to calmly lift the ball over the Maidstone goalkeeper to score the teams 5th goal in the 37th minute.

Maidstone continued to press forward and create opportunities to get back into the game. The Magpies defence were eventually beaten from a well struck penalty corner from Serena Manners in the 52nd minute. Magpies continued to create goal scoring opportunities but were unable to extend their lead further.

Magpies will be looking to build on two very good team performances this weekend when they travel away to Oxford Hawks on Saturday and Ipswich on Sunday for another demanding weekend of league action.

Magpies 7th's v Norwich City 5th's

Saturday 18th February

With at least 3 weeks since the last match for most players and the earliest home push back time of the season (1230!) for the team, we took a while to get going. Missing 3 regulars, Dolly – resting up for the over 50s game which isn't happening tomorrow, D.Blackmore at his winter training camp somewhere in the French mountains, and Joe Walker enjoying the first 24 hours with his first child born yesterday. However, the team which was there did well…to a point. Forgive me now as there is lots of goals to remember!

The 1st 20 minutes was fairly standard, both teams working each other out and going through the motions. Then it started to rain. This sparked (or should that be splashed), the game into life. From a NC long corner, a pass to the p spot, a NC player somehow managed to flick the ball through his own legs and into the bottom corner of the goal. A good goal at the time, but one that you wouldn't score in another 50 attempts. This then led to a good spell of pressure from Magpies. The arrival, through substitution, of Pete Thornett was one which I think buoyed the whole team, as you expect good skill when he plays. And it was part of this good skill which led to the equaliser. Good work from Jon Wells found Pete at the far side of the D, who dribbled with his usual accomplished polish and found a well positioned Tom Miller who calmly slapped the ball beyond the keeper. Before half time, after a number of short corners, we finally managed to get one in, with a vicious strike from J.Wells, which deflected in off defender and keeper. I think… 2-1 at half time.

By the 2nd half it had been raining well, but still there was a hardy bunch of 4 supporters. Thank you, it is appreciated. Norwich City somehow managed to find an equaliser. The Magpies responded through Roger Kent to make it 3-2. Of course then NCHC equalised to make it 3-3, although questions are raised whether it was a goal at all, at least 7 Magpie players were convinced the player hit the ball, admittedly very well, from just outside the D, including Murray who lifted his foot out of the way to allow the ball into the goal. Unfortunately the Umpire at that end, thought it was a goal, and gave it. Magpies then pressed home their skill and presence, with the much younger Norwich City probably tiring a little. Pete Thornett made it 4-3 with a good deflected goal from a short corner. Then, with a goal that got me leaping off the bench, was James Graham. Spurred on by playing against some of his school mates, he picked up the ball just inside the oppositions half and then proceeded to beat 5 players, and on finding himself at the top of the D, hit a relatively gentle, but extremely accurate shot, beyond the keeper and into the corner of the goal. Brilliant.

Simon Bardwell, still annoyed by a goal he thought shouldn't have been, did something which produced a yellow card from the Umpires pocket. NCHC then found a 4th with 10 minutes to go. Bardy then came back on, and at this stage Norwich City had probably run out of ideas. 5-4 final score. 10th win on the spin for the 7ths.

DOTD; I was going to choose Dolly for resting for a game which now isn't happening tomorrow, but I think due to the reason of the yellow card, this has to go to Bardy.

MOTM; Pete Thornett, goal scored and at least 1 created, the difference between the teams.

Coaching Courses at Magpies

Level 1 and level 2 coaching courses have been arranged at Harleston.

Application forms are available on the England Hockey Website.

Dates are as follows

Level 1 3, 10, 17 June 2012

Level 2 12, 13, 19, 20 May 2012

For those club members committing to coach at the club following the courses the coaching committee will consider applications for a grant from the club. Please apply to Robert Stimpson


The Grange, Bedfield Road, Monk Soham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 7EL

Tel: 01728685885 Mo 07976741719

Magpies Face Crucial Double-Header

With games being postponed due to the weather Magpies face a crucial weekend in London playing Oxted on the Saturday followed by Bromley and Beckenham on Sunday.The league table shows Magpies wedged between bottom placed Bromley ,and Oxted just above them. With Oxted sitting on nine points and Magpies on seven, Magpies could find themselves out of the play off position by Saturday evening ,Sunday would then offer an opportunity to pull away from Oxted and Bromley as Oxted have a tough game against Holcombe.

Whilst Ben Wright is likely to miss Saturday’s game, Elliot Smith returns to the squad and Leigh Sitch is unavailable due to coaching commitments. A strong squad is available which is more than capable of securing maximum points over the weekend. Training, whilst disrupted by weather , has been going well and it is really good to report on only one injury in the squad.

Squad from; Richard Gill;Tristan Baynes;;Andy Bedwell;Pete Bale;Richard Ling;Sebastion Knights;Tristan Baynes;David Ling;Rees Leonard;;BenWright;Mark Stackpoole;Mark.Wheelhouse(Capt);.James.Fanger;Rhodri.Furlong;Will.Blyth;Elliot Smith

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1ST TEAM WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk hope to return to National League action this weekend with a double header of matches. After two frustrating weekends of cancelled League matches Magpies play two crucial League matches this weekend against Old Loughtonians away on Saturday starting at 12.30 and on Sunday at home against Maidstone starting at 12.45.

With no League matches played by any team in this League for the last two weeks the League table is unchanged since the end of November, when we broke off for the Indoor season.

However a glance at the League table is a reminder of how crucial these two League games are for the three teams involved. Horsham remain in 10th place, whilst Old Loughtonians in 9th place occupy the relegation play off position just four points behind Magpies. Maidstone are in 8th place one position behind Magpies but two points below them. Magpies need to turn in two good performances and results this weekend to pull away from the danger zone.

Fortunately the Magpies squad looks much stronger than it did before Christmas with a number of players available or on their way back. Ellie Bale, Debbie Francis, Emily Wilford, Catherine Cranmer, Emma Lee-Smith and Anouska Hipperson are all available for one or both games this weekend. In the absence of goalkeeper Lisa Griffin this weekend Charlotte Lee-Smith returns to the squad. Hopefully Lucy Miller should also return to training this week after a long absence.

SQUAD: Frances Burrell and Charlotte Harrison - Joint Captains, Charlotte Lee-Smith, Katrina Warnes, Louisa Greenacre, Lauren Barber, Lizzie Jones, Sarah Brook, Jess Howland, Hannah Palmer, Angie Wheelhouse, Emily Wilford, Emma Lee-Smith, Anouska Hipperson, Ellie Bale, Catherine Cranmer and Debbie Francis.