Magpies' perfect ten

Dereham 1, Harleston Magpies 4

MAGPIES arrived at Dereham hoping to make it a perfect 10 since the Christmas break, and stretch their fine run of form into the fast approaching play-off games.

The early exchanges saw Magpies taking pressure from the Dereham side and giving away an early short corner. Dereham scored from an unfortunate deflection to make the score 1-0.

Magpies fought back quickly with the ball being played down the right, and subsequently played into a surging Tristan Baines, who slotted the ball away into the bottom corner.

Magpies then deployed a lot of pressure onto the Dereham defence, and managed to grab another goal with an attack down the left concluding with Andy Hipwell playing a delightful reverse stick pass into Chris Barber, who turned the ball over the keeper's pads.

At 2-1, the Dereham team changed their tactics, and made a half-court press. This gave Magpies more time to think, and another fine attack was created. The resulting goal was a strong contender for goal-of-the-season. Daniel Stasin got the ball on the top of the D, beat the keeper and took a reverse stick shot into roof of the net.

The half ended at 3-1 with Magpies looking confident to maintain their lead and add to it in the second half.

The second period started with sustained pressure from Magpies, which resulted in a few short corners. Andy Hipwell managed to convert with a powerful drag flick into the bottom corner making the final score 4-1.

The performance from an altered Magpies side got a result, even with players rested. This shows the strength and depth of the squad.

Magpies play their last league match next Saturday against a strong Cambridge City side who managed to overthrow the champions in the fixture prior to Christmas. In two weeks' time Magpies take on Fareham in their first play-off game. It is vital to keep the winning run going into the play-offs and get the perfect 11 wins from Christmas.