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At home this week the Men’s 1sts hosted Oxted for their third game of the season. Although Oxted entered the game placed bottom of the table, Magpies were well aware that this would be unlikely to reflect their opponent’s standard (the away team had previously faced difficult fixtures against two of the leagues stronger sides). The first half was not what Magpies had hoped for and Oxted took an early lead on 3 minutes. Magpies were unlucky two minutes later when an Oxted ball into the D was clearly lifted, striking a home player, and an Oxted forward put the ball into the goal which was allowed to stand. The early goals seemed to unnerve Magpies and a third followed for the away team which came from a penalty stroke and saw Mark Wheelhouse sent to the bin. Two further goals followed for the away team before half time making it 5-0 to Oxted entering the break. Magpies did not let their heads drop and came out in the second half looking brighter and more determined. The home side created some good chances and started to show some of the form we all know they have. The second yellow of the game was shown to an Oxted player after he felled David Ling. The extra man allowed Magpies to press and, at a short corner, new forward Sebastian Knights knocked in a deflected shot to open his account for Harleston. The home side where unable to add any further goals to their tally despite a much improved second half. Final result 5-1 to Oxted.
The Ladies 2nds welcomed Sprowston to Weybread this week on a high from the previous week’s 10-0 triumph over Loddon. Magpies started where they had left off from the week before with strong attacking play down the centre from Catherine Cranmer and Anouska Hipperson. Magpies held possession well throughout the first half and the solid defence quelled any Sprowston attack. It was more of the same in the second half with the Sprowston defence struggling to deal with the presence of Keira Booty and Emily Brown. Sprowston rarely looked threatening with the Magpies defence having an excellent game. It was another strong performance from the Ladies 2nds taking a 5-0 win and a 3 point lead at the top of the table.
Also at home this week were the Ladies 4ths having suffered two consecutive league defeats in their opening matches they hoped their game against Beccles would bring a change of fortune. Magpies started brightly, dominating possession with the forward line challenging the Beccles defence and being awarded a number of short corners. Unfortunately the opportunities presented for an early lead were not capitalised on, but magpies continued to pressure the Beccles goal. The second half opened with the score line still at 0-0 but with Magpies looking dangerous. The home team were soon rewarded when Katie Webb put Harleston 1-0 up. Beccles went on to equalise from a short corner and the points were shared with the final whistle blowing with the score at one a piece. A well done to Racheal Bains on her debut for the 4ths.
The Men’s 5ths entertained Ipswich 3rds hoping for their first win of the league season after defeat last week against Lowestoft Railway. Magpies line up was much changed again in the absence of Deben Nelson and Captain Eddie Thorne. The 5ths ground out a 1-0 win with good performances up front from George Moore and James Goodson. The home sides goal came from a short corner shot from Jonny Wells which the Ipswich keeper deflected into his own player sending the ball back over the line. They all count though!
Also at home this week were the Men’s 2nds who played host to Colchester hoping to improve on the previous weeks result, which they did taking a well deserved 3-1 win. The Men’s 7ths were able to field a side this week and took the win against UEA 3rds 2-1.
Away from home, and the Ladies 3rds and 6ths both travelled away to Lowestoft Railway bringing home the full 3 points each, winning 3-0 and 4-2 respectively. Away for the men this week were the 3rds who drew against Cambridge City and the 6ths who beat Norwich City 5ths 3-1.
On Sunday the Ladies 1sts travelled to Maidstone. The team were joined by Emily Wilford and Jess Howland for their first league appearances of the season. Hoping to improve on their performance from the week before Magpies began up tempo, attacking freely from both the left and the right. This continued throughout the first half and a solid Magpies defence limited Maidstone’s chances. The second half saw more of the same and a goal against the run of play in the 53rd minute saw Maidstone take the lead. Magpies created some great chances in the second half winning a number of consecutive short corners, but were unable to convert. Magpies will feel that they should have left Maidstone with at least a point.
Looking forward to next week and the Men’s 1sts travel to Canterbury who have dropped back down after just one season in the Premier league. A number of players will be unavailable again this week due to illness, injury and work commitments, but it is hoped Pete Bale will be fit for this week and Ben Wright makes a welcome return. The Men’s 2nds travel to Bluehearts who beat Long Sutton 2-1 this week and the Men’s 5ths travel to Sudbury who are one place below them in the table, meaning that it could be a close match. Away from home for the ladies this week are the 2nds and 6ths who play IES and Breckland respectively.
At home this week and the Ladies 1sts entertain Ipswich at 12:30 who are currently top of the table with three wins out of three. After this week’s positive performance at Maidstone it will be good to see the ladies carry this confidence into what could be a tough encounter with Ipswich. The Men’s 3rds play host to Sudbury who beat Norwich Dragon’s 2-1 this week but are only 1 place above the 3rds in the table. Also at home for the men are 4ths and 6ths. For a full list of all the games this weekend please visit the website.
A First Aid Course is due to be run which is open to everyone at the club. It will be on two evenings starting at approximately 7pm and will be around 2 and a half hours for each session. There are three proposed dates for the course, the 14th, 21st and/or the 28th of November. You can register your interest in taking part by putting your name against your two preferred dates on a sheet that will be on the notice board in the clubhouse. Please make sure you register before the 22nd of October. Everyone who attends will receive a certificate. I am sure you can appreciate that it is really important for us to have as many First Aiders in the club as possible, especially when we have teams travelling away. Please sign up if you can.
Just a couple of things to finish up with:
· Don’t forget the Chilli Oke this weekend at 7pm at the Clubhouse, details of which you will find on the website. It would be great to see as many people as possible.
· It would be great to have match reports for all of our teams each week on the website, so if you are unsure of how to submit a post please get in touch with me.
Best regards,
Will Main
