NE14 Hockey East LeaguePremier ACambridge City 2 Harleston Magpies 1Magpies dropped their first points of the season by losing 2-1 to Cambridge City in a closely fought encounter played in wet conditions.

NE14 Hockey East League

Premier A

Cambridge City 2 Harleston Magpies 1

Magpies dropped their first points of the season by losing 2-1 to Cambridge City in a closely fought encounter played in wet conditions.

Despite the result, Harleston go into the winter break in good spirits being top of the league, having picked up 30 out of a possible 33 points on offer so far this term.

The first half was dominated by Magpies who created a number of chances with Fanger and Sumner combining well down the right and Baynes going close with a trademark reverse stick effort.

The defence of Bedwell, Ling, Sitch and Sumner controlled the game and veteran keeper Martin did not have a save to make.

However, chances went begging and Magpies' normally fluent short corner routine failed to fire despite numerous attempts.

Just as it seemed that the first half would end goalless, Hipwell picked up a sharp pass from Gill and slotted home under the advancing keeper to put Magpies 1-0 up at half time.

The second half proved to be a very different contest with Cambridge looking comfortable in possession and Magpies, starved of the ball, struggling to play their usual attacking style of hockey.

Despite their dominance, Cambridge did not create many clear cut chances but deservedly equalised after 50 minutes with their only short corner of the match.

The final part of the game saw chances for both sides but it was Cambridge who scored with a breakaway goal with only minutes remaining to condemn Magpies to their first defeat of the season.

Magpies can have no complaints with the result against a well organised and hard working Cambridge side, however the players and coaching staff can be very satisfied with their efforts in the first half of the season.

The dedication and application of the whole squad has been first class and has given Magpies a great chance to maintain their challenge for the league title in the New Year.

The players and management would like to thank all those who have supported the team, home and away, throughout the season so far. Your encouragement and dedication to the cause are greatly appreciated.