Harleston 1 Loughborough Uni 0

Slazenger EHL

Division One

Harleston Magpies 1 Loughborough University 0

HARLESTON Magpies moved up to fifth place and guaranteed their Division One status for next season with a deserved 1-0 win over Loughborough University.

A run of drawn games had seen Magpies looking anxiously over their shoulders as four teams (Birmingham, Trojans, Magpies and Loughborough) tried to pull away from eighth place and a relegation play-off game.

Magpies went about their business in a very determined way and put the Loughborough defence under early pressure but could not turn pressure into goals.

Finally Angie Wheelhouse fired Magpies into the lead with a shot following a free hit taken just outside the circle, which gave Magpies the comfort of a half time lead.

Magpies have not always defended an early lead very well in recent games but on this occasion Magpies dug deep. With Loughborough desperately needing a result Lucy Hayman in goal was forced into action for the first time late in the second half.

Three successive penalty corners in the final six minutes were anxious moments for Magpies, but the defence finally cleared the ball and the Magpies forwards professionally ran the clock down as they frustrated Loughborough in the final moments of the game.

This was an excellent team performance with a high work ethic, which ensured Magpies the crucial three points. Young Ellie Blake gave her best performance for Magpies to date.

Next week Magpies will be able to enjoy their final league game away at Barnes free from the pressure of the last few weeks.