Harleston Magpies 2, Sevenoaks 1HARLESTON returned to the league action on Sunday, inviting Sevenoaks down to Weybread on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Harleston Magpies 2, Sevenoaks 1

HARLESTON returned to the league action on Sunday, inviting Sevenoaks down to Weybread on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Harleston hit the ground running, creating early chances but also having to work very hard defensively as Sevenoaks also pushed forward for the opener. With eight minutes on the clock, following good work down the right from Leate, Magpies won their first short corner.

Hipwell fired the ball goalwards only to have his shot saved by the Sevenoaks keeper, however Gill and Graves were the first to pounce with Graves smashing home at the second attempt to open his National League account.

This early goal stunned Sevenoaks who were struggling to string passes together around the back on a dry, bobbly pitch.

With Magpies hustling for the ball Bale pounced, winning a loose a ball and releasing Hipwell, who drove wide after playing a one-two before slotting the ball home in the far post past the advancing keeper.

Despite this early set back Sevenoaks began to push for a goal but despite winning corners the defensive unit held firm with Harms only being called into action twice.

As expected, Sevenoaks flew at Harleston for the first 10 minutes of the second half but despite a couple of short corners again Harms was never called into action.

With 20 minutes to go Sevenoaks were reduced to 10 men following a sliding tackle on Peter Bale. Despite the man advantage Harleston couldn't quite add the third goal despite coming close on a couple of occasions. With 10 minutes left Harleston were reduced to 10 men when Baynes was sent off for a stick tackle.

Despite the disadvantage, Harleston clung on until four minutes from time when Havant pulled a goal back from a short corner.

With the 170-plus crowd behind them Harleston hung on for the win to claim their first three points of the season.

The win was down sheer effort and commitment from all 16 players on a hot day.

Next week the team travel to Southgate in which promises to be another huge test.