Promotion joy for Harleston

MAGPIES II secured promotion to East Premier B for next season with a convincing 2-0 victory at Redbridge and Ilford. Whilst Magpies totally controlled the game, they found it difficult to break down a stubborn Redbridge side who packed their defence from the start.

MAGPIES II secured promotion to East Premier B for next season with a convincing 2-0 victory at Redbridge and Ilford.

Whilst Magpies totally controlled the game, they found it difficult to break down a stubborn Redbridge side who packed their defence from the start.

Magpies piled on the pressure and nearly opened the scoring on a number of occasions with both Robbie Kinsella and Will Harrison going close from a number of penalty corners.

They eventually opened the scoring when a good break from Craig Snelling found Lawrence Baynes at the top of the circle who fired home for his first goal of the season. Magpies continued to dominate with Redbridge only rarely breaking out of their own half. Snelling then went closest for Magpies when he hit the post, but at half time it was still only 1-0.

The second half was played in a similar fashion with Redbridge content to soak-up the pressure and home to catch Magpies on the break.

Midway through the half Magpies doubled their lead when James Stacey finished off a good move down the right hand side, Redbridge tried to play a more attacking game but Magpies defence held firm.

At the other end Magpies failed to increase their lead. The only other event of note was an unfortunate yellow card for the excellent skipper Baynes who took it for the team.

So Magpies were rewarded for an excellent season with a well deserved promotion.

MoM: Lawrence Baynes.