NE14 East LeagueDivision OneHarleston Magpies II 3St Ives 1DAVE Francis got two goals in a 3-1 victory for the seconds against a second place St Ives' team who looked shaky on water and were lucky not to concede more.

NE14 East League

Division One

Harleston Magpies II 3

St Ives 1

DAVE Francis got two goals in a 3-1 victory for the seconds against a second place St Ives' team who looked shaky on water and were lucky not to concede more.

Magpies started the game at a blistering pace, moving the ball around well and it came as no surprise when Magpies opened the scoring after about five minutes. Robbie Kinsella realised Duncan Steven who put the ball past the keeper who decided to stick him in the air even though the ball had. Dave Francis put the ball in the roof of the net.

Magpies' second goal followed shortly after, with a trade mark will Harrison drag flick cannoning into the roof of the net. Two nil up and Magpies seemed strolling away with it, Magpies continued to have all of the play and whilst the build up play was very good, they struggled to create clear opportunities.

The second half started much the same with Magpies playing fast flowing hockey which was attractive on the eye. Chances were carved out in quick succession but not converted, with Will Harrison going close on two occasions after breaks from his own half. Magpies eventually got their third when a break from Duncan Steven into the D picking out Dave Francis with a well played passed who finished coolly into an open goal.

Magpies thought they should have had a second penalty stroke when Phil Cobbald was up-ended again by the goalkeeper, but the umpire gave the keeper the benefit of the doubt.

St Ives got a late consolation goal from a short corner which was saved initially but the rebound fell kindly for the injector who finished coolly.

Man of the match went to Phil Cobbald who was once again instrumental in a lot of Magpies play. Next up is an away trip to East London, where we'll face a Wapping team who are just one point behind Magpies in the table.