Hockey

Magpies fail to build on their early advantage

Canterbury 2, Harleston Magpies 1

Harleston made the long journey down to Canterbury to face their toughest test of the season so far - and gave a good account of themselves before slipping to a narrow defeat.

An unchanged side from the previous week's 2-2 draw with Bromley started strongly, moving the ball around well. They took an early lead when great movement from Bale created space for Duncan Graves in the D, and the young forward found Andy Hipwell unmarked to finish in fine style.

Canterbury soon came back at Harleston, forcing them deeper into their own D. Harms saved well from a well taken short corner but eventually the visitors' resistance was broken when the ball fell to a Canterbury forward at the top of the D who fired across goal, where the ball was turned over the line at the back post.

Despite conceding Harleston fought back strongly but went a goal behind when Canterbury slotted home from a short corner. With this the tide started to turn and Canterbury created a number of chances from short corners, where Mark Wheelhouse cleared off the line twice to keep the deficit to one goal.

Harleston had a chance to equalise before the break when Bale broke into the D, only to see his shot ricochet off Graves and go wide.

During the second half Harleston started to step up earlier to minimise the aerial threat. The tactic worked and despite Canterbury still finding their forwards high Harleston were able to hit them on the break.

Both Hipwell and Gowing were denied by saves from the Canterbury keeper while Harms produced a couple of fine saves at the othe end.

In a frantic finish Canterbury were reduced to 10 men but despite the advantage Harleston could not grab an equaliser from two short corners just before the final whistle, one of which was cleared off the line by a Canterbury defender.

Magpies now have a week's break before the league recommences with a Sunday home fixture against Indian Gymkhana.