Harleston Magpies 1, Doncaster 3Magpies are still awaiting their first point of the Slazenger National Women's League Division One campaign after a home defeat to fellow strugglers Doncaster.The home side's prospects had looked good as they led 1-0 at half-time, but their failure to convert more of their chances came back to haunt them in the second half as Doncaster fired three goals without reply.

Harleston Magpies 1, Doncaster 3

Magpies are still awaiting their first point of the campaign after a home defeat to fellow strugglers Doncaster.

The home side's prospects had looked good as they led 1-0 at half-time, but their failure to convert more of their chances came back to haunt them in the second half as Doncaster fired three goals without reply.

Unsurprisingly, given both teams' positions in the league, the match started in a cagey manner.

The Magpies defence looked solid and compact in the early exchanges with the back four of Helen Brook, Louisa Greenacre, Lucy Miler and Debbie McAllen able to deal with most of Doncaster's early attacks.

Magpies went ahead after 25 minutes when, from their first penalty corner, Artemis Clark found the back of the net.

For the next 10 minutes, Magpies were clearly in the ascendancy and put the Doncaster defence under real pressure, creating three golden chances.

But somehow the Doncaster goalkeeper kept the ball out of the goal and the home side had to settle for a single-goal lead at the interval.

Kathryn Hinsley made a real impact coming off the bench, but the missed chances were to prove costly in the final analysis.

Within five minutes of the start of the second half, Doncaster were on level terms and then 2-1 in front following a penalty corner goal and fast counter attack.

Magpies were still in the game, however, and Laura Parker was having a tremendous game in midfield, well supported by Jess Hull and they caused continuous problems to the Doncaster defence.

Magpies had two further excellent chances on the break with Angie Wheelhouse and Cherry Seaborn threatening Doncaster, but the final pass let Magpies down.

Doncaster killed the game off with a late third goal, leaving Magpies left to reflect on those missed early chances.

It does not promise to get any easier for Magpies this weekend, as they face third-placed Sutton Coldfield on Saturday.