Harleston Magpies went into their final game before the mid-season break knowing Sevenoaks were an experienced side in good recent form and were happy enough to return home with a hard-earned point.

The first half was very much end-to-end, with possession evenly matched between the sides. Ten minutes before the break Sevenoaks took the lead when, after a scramble in the circle, the visitors could only watch as the ball rolled across the goal-line.

At half-time Magpies knew they would need to keep their heads up and capitalise on their chances if they were to get back into the game – and that's exactly what transpired.

The scores were levelled when Emma Lee-Smith was quickest to react in the circle and slipped the ball into the bottom left corner. This raised Magpies' spirits and they really took the game to Sevenoaks.

It wasn't long before the visitors took the lead when Lizzie Clymer turned over possession in her own half and, after a driving run, squared the ball to Emma Lee-Smith, who found Kara Kilbourn well positioned on the far post to fire home.

This really put Magpies in the driving seat and at 2-1 they had a couple of good chances to extend their lead – but it was not to be.

Having defended a number of short corners, Sevenoaks found a breakthrough, with a slick corner routine deflected in to level the scores.

Despite a point probably being a fair result on balance of play, Magpies were disappointed they were not able to retain their lead.

The league is very tight at this point of the season, with only four points between third and seventh and everything to play for when the league resumes in February.

Magpies are currently sixth after winning three, drawing five and losing three of the fixtures so far.

Squad: Lucy Belsey (capt), Debbie Francis, Charlotte Lee-Smith, Kath Johnson, Katrina Sitch, Louisa Greenacre, Lauren Barber, Sophie Sunderland, Charlotte Harrison, Emma Lee-Smith, Lucy Whiting, Lizzie Clymer, Hattie Sunderland and Kara Kilbourn.