Hockey

Magpies ready for challenge

Harleston Magpies will be in good heart for Sunday's home match against Indian Gymkhana - despite losing their previous East Conference fixture 2-1 at Canterbury.

While the Kent side looked good going forward Magpies exposed their defence a number of times on the break.

Although Magpies took the lead it was the hosts who dominated much of the first half but the Magpies' defence, with Richard Harms in goal in fine form, held firm.

While in the first 10 minutes of the second half Magpies had to defend a succession of corners once again their defensive routine was spot on. For much of the remainder of the half Magpies hit the home side on the break and were unfortunate not to score an equaliser. It was Canterbury's turn to defend corners and a defender saved on the line.

The week's break came at just the right time for a number of the squad. Neil Toulson was unable to play the second half of the Canterbury game, Simon Hipwell was not fit for selection and Ben Gowing also sustained an injury. It is hoped all will be available for selection when the league resumes on Sunday at Weybread (2.15pm) with the visit of Indian Gymkhana. Pete Bale misses the game through work commitments.

While this week's visitors are near the foot of the table, just above Chelmsford, Magpies know they must not underestimate their opponents. A large crowd is expected as many spectators will remember the fine exhibition of hockey displayed by their Indian opponents when Magpies were last in this league. Whilst Magpies will be happy to play their part in an entertaining game this will be a game from which both sides will want to secure maximum points.

Harleston Magpies Ladies are away to Chelmsford tomorrow (12) in their latest Conference match.

After a week without a league fixture Magpies go straight into a very tough away game against the second placed side, who are two points ahead of them and a point behind the leaders Ipswich.

Chelmsford, who were relegated from the Premier Division last season, have won five of their six league games, only dropping points to Ipswich in a home defeat. They have recovered well from that setback and present a formidable challenge this week.

Magpies did not really need a break last week as they were also on a good run and beat St Albans 5-1 at home in their last league game, with a terrific hat-trick from Angie Wheelhouse and two very good goals from Cherry Seaborn.

This was even more impressive bearing in mind that Anna Toulson and Artemis Clark, two significant attackers, were both out injured.

There is no doubt that Magpies carry a real threat going forward this season, but in the next few weeks the key to success will depend on how the team reacts defensively under pressure, because if they can continue to be tight at the back they have every chance of winning difficult games.