Hockey round-up: Magpies go top despite dropping first points
ON THE BALL: Magpies Will Martin in action against Wapping. - Credit: Archant
Harleston dropped their first points of the season when they were held to a 2-2 draw by visitors Wapping – but still moved to the top of the Premier A table as previous leaders Chelmsford were beaten.
Harleston started well, only to fall behind when their opponents broke through some weak challenges to beat Matt Collinge.
With 15 minutes to go in the first half Harleston were forced into a change as Richard Larkin took a nasty bang to his knee.
The introduction of man-of-the-match Will Martin gave the home side an outlet from the back and Magpies got back on terms when Mark Wheelhouse converted a short corner won by a penetrating run from Tristan Baynes.
Harleston were now in the ascendancy and took the lead when Ben Wright finished from close range.
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Harleston nearly went further ahead through Chris Barber while Baynes, Wheelhouse, Sam Rowe and Larkin repelled any Wapping attacks.
But the hosts were conceding a few too many silly short corners and Collinge was finally beaten with a powerful drag flick. Harleston's man-of-the-match was Will Martin.
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Harleston Magpies II were involved in a 13-goal thriller in the same section, with hosts Waltham Forest winning it 9-4.
The young Magpies started well and although Waltham scored first the visitors got back on level terms when Jack Frere-Smith crashed the ball sweetly home following good link-up play between Rob Kinsella, Dave Francis and Elliot Ashurst. It was a finish of high quality for such a young player.
Magpies again went behind but were back on level terms before the break as Will Dunn converted from a goal-mouth scramble.
In the second half the floodgates opened after Waltham had taken the lead with a highly fortunate goal, with a second for Dunn and a first for James Baker providing some consolation.
Harleston Magpies III recorded a 4-0 victory over the club's fourth team in Division 3NE with Matt Brand opening the scoring and further goals coming from Phil Cobbald linking with Gavin Cole, Andy Johnson and Cole.
In the Women's East League Premier Division, Harleston Magpies II drew 0-0 at Wapping. Lauren Mickleburgh was player of the match, with Magpies enjoying the chance to play at the Olympic venue.
The Magpies III team lost 1-0 to Loddon, who have madxe an excellent start in the Empresa Norfolk League.
In Division One, Evergreens recorded an excellent 1-0 win at Harleston Magpies V. Su Hoogendyk in goal had a stormer of a first half, making some excellent saves, while the goal came at the start of the second half.
Magpies VI lost 3-0 at home to Reepham.
