England Hockey League

Men's Conference League

Harleston Magpies 1 Old Loughts 3

HARLESTON faced league leaders Old Loughts at home this Sunday. The away team arrived at Harleston unbeaten so far during the season, despite this Harleston were confident that they could get something out of the game. In a slightly changed team Baynes moved to bottom diamond with Gill injured and Leate stepped up to left midfield.

Both teams started well moving the ball across the pitch creating spaces when the opportunity arrived. Despite early pressure from Loughts at a couple of corners it was Harleston who took the lead when Baynes left a ball for Hipwell who turned at the top of the circle before smashing the ball in on his reverse stick.

With the crowd behind them Harleston grew in confidence and started to control the game around the back keeping the ball for as long as possible. Just before half time Loughts were reduced to 10 men but despite a corner of their own Harleston were unable to extend their lead.

With half time over Harleston knew Loughts were going to come after them, the opposition stepped up their press forcing Harleston backwards. The home team started to give the ball away too easily and were soon punished with a well taken slipped corner. Loughts did not stop pressing despite finding the equaliser and soon took the lead when James Steadman hit the base line before pulling the ball back to be smashed home with a first time shot past Harms. Again Loughts were reduced to 10 men but Harleston could not capitalise on the advantage and Loughts managed to extend their lead with another corner which Baynes originally stopped on the line only for the rebound to fall to an attacker to make the score 3-1.

Next week the team travel to Oxted on Saturday looking to turn their good performances into points. Again the team look to big performances from Harms, Wheelhouse and Ling who were superb on Sunday.