HARLESTON Magpies Men's II made it three wins out of three with a convincing 5-1 victory over Broxbourne I. This result means that Magpies are now second in the table on goal difference alone.

HARLESTON Magpies Men's II made it three wins out of three with a convincing 5-1 victory over Broxbourne I.

This result means that Magpies are now second in the table on goal difference alone.

In an open first few minutes, Harleston created the first opportunity when a cross from Simon Hipwell was narrowly missed by a sprawling Richard Ling.

With Magpies continuing to press they managed to force a penalty corner and Simon Hipwell's shot was too hot for both the Broxbourne keeper and defender on the line.

With Magpies in the lead they pushed forward for the second goal. In another spell of sustained pressure, a missed placed pass from defence allowed Broxbourne to break on the Magpies area, around the on-rushing keeper and slide the ball into the goal to draw things level.

With the game level again Magpies took control and started to produce the type of hockey that gained them promotion the season previous.

As the half drew to a close Harleston started to create clear cut chances, finally however Magpies did finally re take the lead after great play down the right from Matt Stainthorpe who fed the ball through to Dave Francis to finish coolly in the bottom corner and give Magpies the lead they deserved as they went into the break.

The second half was an opportunity for Magpies to prove to other teams that they are true title contenders. Harleston made it 3-1 when Hamish Barton Stuck a trademark penalty corner beyond the reach of the keeper and into the net.

Magpies were now firmly in control of the game and shortly after made if 4-1 when good work from Lawrence Baynes in the centre of midfield set up Robbie Kinsella to fire home from the top of the circle. With the game now looking like it was now concluded, Hamish Barton wrapped the scoring up with another penalty corner.

Next up for Magpies is an away trip to Harpenden I who are currently fifth in the table after two wins and a loss.

Man of the match went to Hamish Barton for his performance in both attack and defence.