With the National and East League teams now on their winter break there was a chance for Harleston Magpies' sides in the M+A Partners Norfolk Women's League to take centre stage.

And the fourth team rose to the challenge in fine fashion, winning 7-3 at Pelicans III to go marching on at the top of Division One.

After a break of nearly three weeks due to the adverse weather conditions, Magpies knew they faced a tough task when they travelled to King's Lynn. With only 11 players they knew they would have to concentrate from the very first whistle if they were to extend their unbeaten run.

And the away side did just that as they took advantage of Pelicans' lack of goalkeeper for the first few minutes and centre forward Kay Dennis gave her side the lead.

Captain for the day Dennis, doubled the lead a few minutes later when a good ball through from centre midfielder Hannah Booty left her to run it into the D and slip the ball past the Pelicans keeper.

However, Pelicans were dangerous on the break and got a goal back when a shot wasn't cleared properly and the rebound was flicked into the corner.

Magpies once more extended their advantage through Laura Schultheiss, her deflected shot flying past the keeper high into the net. But again Pelicans came back at Magpies, scoring again from close range to cut their lead.

Shortly before the end of the half a well timed first time strike by Rosie Blackmore gave Magpies back their breathing space, making it 4-2 going into the break.

Magpies came out for the second half knowing they were the better side and started asserting their authority. They had a good spell in the Pelicans' D, winning several short corners, and were unlucky not to convert, before a good move found Schultheiss wide in the D to crack home a terrific shot.

Then it was Pelicans' turn to win a short corner, and the ball found its way through the Magpies defence to make it 5-3. Magpies were not going to concede again though, and with Blackmore, Dennis and Schultheiss combining brilliantly they extended their lead again, a superb cross from Schultheiss on the right wing finding Dennis in front of the 'keeper to sweep the ball home and complete her hat-trick. Another good ball through the middle from Schultheiss gave Dennis her fourth of the match, cooly passing the ball past the 'keeper into the corner.

Tracy Reeve deserves a special mention for coming back into the side and giving a solid performance on the right of midfield.

Magpies III lost 4-0 to leaders Broadland in the Premier Division while Magpies V won 3-1 at Broadland II and Magpies VI had a walk-over against Thetford II.