Women’s East Conference: St Albans 0 Harleston Magpies 2

Harleston Magpies Ladies produced a fantastic performance to win at St Albans, who are currently one of the top teams in the league.

Harleston knew they needed to put in a strong team performance if they were to take away any points from the fixture.

They started strongly with a full press on St Albans, with pressure being applied across the pitch. The work-rate was high and the movement was positive and this created the first scoring chance, which fell to Georgie Minta. The one-on-one with the goalkeeper was narrowly missed but in the 24th minute Minta received a second chance and deflected a hit past the keeper to enable Magpies to take a first half lead.

Magpies came out in the second half determined not to let this winning opportunity slip through their hands. Debbie Francis and Bryony Lund held a strong central position which allowed wide midfielders Lauren Barber, Charlotte Harrison and Lucy Whiting to support attacking and defensive play, making it easier for the back three to tackle strongly and counter any attacking play by the St Albans forwards.

In the 58th minute the visitors doubled their lead when Emma Lee-Smith converted a shot from a short corner. At the other end her sister Charlotte made some great saves and kept a clean sheet.

Magpies were delighted to return with three points which kept them in the top four.