Harleston Magpies' women made the short trip to East Conference leaders Ipswich for a local derby and as in the earlier encounter in the season lost 1-0 in a tight game to a penalty corner in the first half.

Harleston Magpies' women made the short trip to East Conference leaders Ipswich for a local derby and as in the earlier encounter in the season lost 1-0 in a tight game to a penalty corner in the first half.

Magpies started well enough but Ipswich soon tested their defence with long passes from the back and this required Lucy Fields, Katrina Warnes and Louisa Greenacre to maintain maximum concentration.

Any chances Ipswich created came from penalty corners in the first half and three in quick succession proved pivotal in the context of the match as they took the lead after about 25 minutes with a deflected goal.

Angie Wheelhouse carried the main threat for Magpies in the first half, with her stick work troubling the Ipswich defence, but Magpies struggled with the final pass.

Magpies were confronted by the same problems they faced in the first half after the break as Debbie McAllen and Frances Sumner in the middle tried to create some opportunities. Their task became even harder as Wheelhouse was yellow carded. Just as Magpies were adapting to this situation another yellow card followed for Louisa Greenacre, reducing them to nine.

During this spell the whole team worked hard to contain Ipswich with Verity Blyth and Cherry Seaborn up front being required to do a tremendous amount of running.

By the time Magpies were back to 11 players time was running out but with Ipswich also suffering a yellow card with seven minutes to go there was a glimmer of hope. In the end the Ipswich defence, which had been solid all day, was able to see out time comfortably.

In the men's East Conference, Magpies stayed on course for a sixth place finish when they beat Oxted 1-0 in their penultimate fixture.

After much early pressure Harleston were able to convert a chance on 20 minutes when Simon Hipwell smashed the ball at the keeper, only for it to fall back at his feet, allowing him to slot home the rebound to double his National League tally for the season.

The remainder of the game was keenly contested, with Magpies having chances to extend their lead and Oxted going close, but in the end one goal was enough to settle it.

In the East League Mapgies II played their rearranged fixture against Harpenden on Sunday. After a disappointing result the day before at Ipswich II, when they lost 2-1, Magpies were looking to bounce back, helped by four players from the first team squad.

After several good saves by Jon Livings, Harleston scored what proved to be the winning goal after being awarded a penalty stroke when the Harpenden keeper came through the back of Martin Fields at the top of the circle. Robbie Kinsella stepped up and finished coolly to give Magpies the points.