Magpies seconds chase promotion

Harleston Magpies II maintained their unbeaten home record and their push for promotion when they drew 1-1 with Cambridge University II.

This was a point gained rather than two points lost as Magpies rarely played to their strengths and the students played particularly well.

Students started very brightly and had three good chances in the first five minutes, one being blazed over the bar and the other two saved by John Livings, Magpies were struggling to string any passes together and Cambridge took the lead from penalty corner drag-flick into the top corner.

Slowly Magpies fought their way into the game and went close through Martin Fields. They gained a couple of penalty corners but these were well defended by the students.

At the other end Magpies were constantly stretched and Cobbald cleared a penalty corner off the line and Livings a couple more good saves. Half-time came with Magpies still trailing.

Second half saw Magpies step up their game and had the majority of possession and they kept trying to force the ball but no body was able to get on the end of balls to get the final touch, as the game wore on Magpies became more frustrated and were regularly caught on the break.

On one occasion two players broke into the area and worked the ball well between them before Loui Steven got back to clear off the line.

Magpies finally got their equaliser 10 minutes from the end when Duncan Steven threaded a delightful pass through the students' defence for Martin Fields to deflect past the keeper.

The game went from end to end with Brando going close from a penalty corner whilst at the other end Livings was brought into action with another couple of saves and Dave Francis made an excellent stop from a penalty corner.

At the end Magpies were happy to take a point from an entertaining game.

Man of the Match was John Livings with Loui Steven pushing him close.