Harleston 2 Old Loughts 3

Harleston Magpies hosted table-topping Old Loughts in what was also player/coach Ben Wright’s last game for the club before his move to Australia.

Magpies started poorly, with Old Loughts starting the game and scoring within the first minute to set the home side on the back foot. Not too long later and Magpies conceded their first short corner. After much debate surrounding players moving early, Old Loughts dispatched the ball to make it 2-0.

Disappointed with the start, Magpies started to transfer the ball at a crisper speed and create opportunities. The comeback began as Simon Hipwell found James Baker to direct into the goal.

Just before half time Harleston conceded a third goal when Old Loughts counter attacked at speed as Harelston pushed forward.

Harleston were now dominating the proceedings and creating more chances and short corners as the game wore on. A short corner was won and Leigh Sitch slid in to deflect the ball past the stranded keep and make it 3-2 with 20 minutes remaining.

However, it was not enough as Old Loughts held on.

Letchworth 1 Harleston Mixed 4

Magpies started strong from the whistle, and Letchworth responded with lots of good transfers round the back.

Shortly into the first half after some well worked play down the pitch, Maria Andrews picked up the ball at the top of the circle. A strong reverse strike well executed found the backboard taking Magpies 1-0 up.

Letchworth responded and Andrew Bedwell lobbed the ball over his own ‘keeper! Determined not to let Letchworth back in the game, Harleston had to up their game. Magpies started working the ball around well from the middle with Archie Winter working well and distributing the ball.

Late on in the first half Robbie Kinsella made it 2-1 and then Laura Tibbenham made it 3-1 in the second half, before she added a fourth as Harleston ran out comfortable winners.