Harleston Magpies record thumping 8-0 win over Ipswich
Former international Tim Whiteman in the thick of the action during Harleston Magpies' 8-0 win over Ipswich. Picture: Pat Leate - Credit: Archant
Saturday was hockey's very own derby day as Harleston Magpies took on local rivals Ipswich for bragging rights in the area.
Harleston started brightly and within five minutes had taken the lead, with David Gilbert finishing low into the right corner.
Gilbert was at it again moments later, sweeping in a shot underneath the keeper after good work from Matthew Richardson.
A storm was brewing at Weybread but not just the weather. It was clear this Harleston team were determined to put last week's disappointing result to bed.
They went 3-0 up before half-time with player coach Tim Whiteman, making in first appearance of the season after 12 years away from the club, lifting the ball over the keeper after excellent work from Jonty Gosling and Archie Winter.
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In the second half Magpies remained relentless in their pursuit of a fourth, which was found in an unlikely manner with defender Andrew Bedwell finding the net via a Thomas Ridley pass after a short corner breakdown.
Harleston continued to pass the ball around confidently and after good pressure from Stuart Leate and the excellent Thomas Sumner, Sam Patterson was released to slap in for the fifth.
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Patterson then added his second and the team's sixth with an accurate finish.
Midway through the second half Ipswich went down to 10 and Harleston applied further pressure and after an excellent turnover in midfield found Whiteman who scored his second with a back-hand finish low into the near corner.
Gilbert, Leate and Bale all went close shortly after and eventually Harleston added a eighth with Winter rounding off a fine game by guiding the ball in at the far post.
Coach Tim Whiteman commented after the game: 'After letting a 2-0 goal slip last week we were searching for an immediate reply and we certainly got it. This was a performance we can gain significant confidence from as it demonstrated huge progress, particularly on the ball with our passing game.'
On Saturday Harleston travel to Letchworth who currently sit mid-table in the East League Premier Division.
Magpies seconds won for the fifth time in succession to stay top of Division 2N. Their latest victims were City of Peterborough III, who were dispatched 3-0 at home.
