Harleston Magpies 2 Clifton 2

Slazenger Women's EHL

Division One

Harleston Magpies 2 Clifton 2

Clifton came back strongly to deny Harleston Magpies all three points in this thrilling match.

The Magpies took the game to Clifton early on and Angie Wheelhouse had the first real chance of the game, which was saved by the goalkeeper. Clifton won two penalty corners in the first half, which were their only attacking threats at this stage.

Magpies deservedly took the lead before half time when Jess Bloom swept home a right wing cross to confirm their ascendancy.

The hosts started the second half well as their forwards continued to trouble the normally solid Clifton defence. Dissent from Clifton players led to Magpies being awarded a penalty corner and, despite Angie Wheelhouse's penalty corner strike being partially saved by the goalkeeper, Anna Truman followed in to force the ball over the line.

Promotion chasing Clifton were stunned by the turn of events but, as expected, responded in a positive way. Clifton pulled a goal back almost immediately, which gave them all the momentum they needed. Magpies started to defend too deep and put themselves under unnecessary pressure. One breakaway saw Jess Bloom clear of the Clifton defence but the goalkeeper did well.

In the end Clifton levelled the scores and could even have snatched a third goal as the game turned on its head. In the last minute Magpies won a penalty corner with a chance to snatch a late winner, but the umpires over turned their first decision.

Next week Magpies play Birmingham University away.