Magpies ensured their Investec National League campaign got off to a positive start when they won 2-1 at Oxford Hawks.

The game started slowly for Magpies and the Hawks caught them out on a counter-attack when an early ball into the D saw the visitors fall behind.

Magpies came back strongly with some good inter-linking play between Hayley Toleman and Emily Wilford. Quick passing soon found Wilford who score Magpies' first goal to level the scores. The forwards continued to press the Oxford defence hard and were unlucky not to score another goal before half-time.

Magpies came out in the second half and continued to press and they were rewarded early on as a penalty corner was won. Wilford fired the ball from the top and found the back board, putting her side in front.

With Magpies' superb fitness showing they were able to maintain the majority of the possession throughout the rest of the second half as a lot more goal scoring opportunities came. Sadly none were converted but Magpies held firm at the other end to take the points.

This weekend, Magpies face Wimbledon at home (12.30pm).

Squad: Charlotte Harrison (Capt), Lucy Miller (Vice Capt), Katrina Warnes, Louisa Greenacre, Lizzie Jones, Amy Campbell, Megan Adams, Debbie Francis, Lauren Barber, Sarah Brook, Jess Howland, Emily Wilford, Angie Wheelhouse, Rosie Butler and Hayley Toleman.

• Harleston Magpies Ladies II had a fantastic start to the season, winning their first league match 7-0 against Lowestoft Ladies in Division One North of the East League.

Once the team found their shape there was no stopping them. Anouska Hipperson started her season with a hat-trick while Toni Glover scored two goals in only her second match for the Magpies. Emily Brown scored another by effortlessly deflecting the ball into the right corner after a strike across goal.

Holly Baker was keen to claim an own goal when her strike hit the goalkeeper's pads and rolled over the line.

Siobhan Cleeve had her second team debut in goal and had little to do, with a strong defence letting very little past them. The midfield worked excellently, tracking the ball back and forth supporting their forwards and defence.

• Norwich City Ladies made a spectacular start to the new campaign, winning 12-0 at Old Buckenham in Division 2NE with Emily Anthony scoring nine times.

City's other goalscorers were Ellie Brine, Anna Horsley and Maddie Taylor.