NE14hockey East Men’s League
Division 2N
AFTER five years of local league hockey, Harleston Magpies 3rd returned to regional hockey by making the two-hour trip to Spalding, Lincolnshire. The increased commitment to travel has meant big changes in the Magpies team with only three regular players remaining from last year’s promotion winning season. However, the new side has a bit more youth and energy to it, attributes that will come in very handy judging by this opening fixture.
Having also been promoted last year Spalding sent out a confident team followed by a very supportive crowd. Early Magpies pressure quietened the Spalding followers and this early possession brought its reward when Phil Cobbald converted a penalty stroke. The home side weren’t to be outdone however, and equalised from a short corner before half time.
The second half followed a similar pattern when Matt Brand turned in a goal end at the end of a good Harleston move, only to see it cancelled out from a Spalding short corner. Both goalkeepers put in fine performances to keep the game level as with John Livings getting the captain’s vote as Harleston player of the Match.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here