Hockey: Home defeat for Harleston Ladies I

Harleston Magpies 1, Sevenoaks 2

Magpies knew that they would have to improve on last week's performance if they were to compete with a strong Sevenoaks team currently second in the Women's Comnference East.

Both teams worked hard to keep possession of the ball in an even start to the match with both teams gaining penalty corners and testing the keepers.

It was Magpies who took the lead in the 18th minute when Emily Wilford's powerful penalty corner strike beat the Sevenoaks keeper and hit the backboard. Magpies had to remain focussed and worked hard across the pitch and pressurised Sevenoaks to retain the lead.

Sevenoaks pushed forward late in the first half to try and get back on level terms, but they were not able to find a way past Magpies keeper Lisa Griffen, who produced a series of good saves.

The second half started with both teams creating opportunities. Firstly Sevenoaks failed to convert two penalty corners and then Magpies created two clear goal scoring chances in open play, but were denied by an agile Sevenoaks keeper.

Magpies were soon made to pay for not converting earlier chances when Nicola Lloyd finished a fast-flowing Sevenoaks attack to bring the score level in the 59th minute. Three minutes later Sevenoaks forward Jet Van Zalen finished from close range to put her team ahead.

Despite a very good team performance from the whole squad Magpies finished the game without any points. Magpies will be looking to build on this performance as they travel to league leaders Surbiton in their penultimate league game of the season next week.