NE14Hockey East Men’s League

Division 2N

WHATEVER the sport, it is important for sides that are newly promoted that they take their chances early on. It was therefore somewhat disappointing for Harleston Magpies Men’s thirds when their captain missed an open goal from two feet out with his side trailing 0-1 to Ely.

Up until that point the visitors had virtually controlled the game, bringing out the best in Magpies’ defence and limiting Harleston to one shot against the inside of the post from Gavin Cole and a couple of other half chances.

However, rather then getting downhearted Magpies seemed spurred on by the miss and Matt Brand soon had a chance to correct his error when he confidently tidied up from a Toby Hughes effort, before Hughes took his side into the lead.

Magpies’ midfield of Stacey, Hughes, Carpenter, Cummings and man of the match, Brice had turned the game. The performance was completed with a flourish when Brand found beating the goalkeeper from the top of the circle easier than the opportunity he had “declined” some 15 minutes previous.

With the points secured the whole squad and their greatly appreciated spectators, will now feel Magpies are “into the league”, and will take this confidence with them on next week’s trip to Bourne.