Harleston 4 Bedford 0

NE14Hockey East Men's League

Premier Division

Harleston 4 Bedford 0

HARLESTON, sponsored by Hutton and Legg, welcomed Bedford to Weybread, in their second game of the weekend. After clinching the title against Wisbech on the Saturday, Magpies were looking to keep their unbeaten record intact. With Bedwell and Fanger missing the team welcomed Craig Snelling, John Livings and Sam Moore to the fold.

Magpies started the sharper of the two sides and were unlucky not to break through early on going close, first with Chris Barber rattling the post from a deflection and then Andy Hipwell shook the bar from a short corner strike. Eventually the pressure told and the deadlock was broken midway through the first half, when Magpies won a short corner which was converted by Neil Toulson after a well executed routine.

After this opening goal Magpies enjoyed large spells of possession but were unable to increase on their advantage before the half time break, with the best chance falling to Stuart Leate who shot goal ward, only to see his teammate Wheeler turn the ball wide from close range.

Bedford began the second period in a more determined manner and played some neat hockey at times, forcing some good reaction saves from youngster John Livings. It was the home side though who stretched their lead, when Richard Gill's seeking aerial found Barber who picked out Richard Ling for a well deserved goal.

With Bedford pushing high Magpies were able to take advantage on the break when Hipwell slide the ball through to Barber who was upended by the keeper, Magpies had a chance to add to their lead from the penalty spot, Hipwell backed himself to score and he confidently flicked the ball in off the post to give Magpies a 3-0 lead.

With Magpies in a commanding position there was still time for the fourth and final goal of the game, when they broke through Ling and then Hipwell who found Barber diving in at the far post to complete a good team performance.

Harleston travel to Havering next week looking to continue their run of high scoring games.