Harleston Magpies 0, Sunderland 7: Harleston Magpies knew that the loss of eight players from last season was going to make it a difficult season for their very young side.

Harleston Magpies 0, Sunderland 7

Harleston Magpies knew that the loss of eight players from last season was going to make it a difficult season for their very young side. And after just one match of their National League Division One season they know just how hard it is going to be.

Sunderland are a quality side with plenty of experience and it was their know-how in crucial areas which proved too much. Magpies made a nervous start and survived a few early scares before Sunderland took the lead after ten minutes.

Magpies responded well with their best spell of the match with Angie Wheelhouse twice nearly setting up fellow striker Cherry Seaborn with a chance to run through the Sunderland defence. Unfortunately. Magpies conceded two more goals before half time to leave Sunderland with a comfortable 3-0 lead.

The second half was bound to be hard going in the hot conditions. Magpies worked hard as a team but the quality of the Sunderland attackers continued to stretch their defence. Lucy Hayman in goal made some excellent saves while the experienced players Louisa Greenacre and Debbie McAllen worked tirelessly to help their younger colleagues, many of whom were making their National League debuts.

Sunderland rapped in four more goals in the second half to complete a comprehensive win - a steep learning curve for Magpies, whose trip to Doncaster will show how much has been learned.