Women’s National League: Quickfire Magpies set up top of the table derby

Harleston Magpies went to the top of the Investec Women's Conference East with a 3-1 win at newly promoted Bromley & Beckenham.

Magpies started strongly and went ahead after only five minutes when a good ball from Debbie Francis was played into the D, where Emily Wilford was on hand to slot under the Bromley keeper.

They continued to press higher up the pitch and dominated possession, which they soon turned into another well worked team goal – Sarah Brook steering the ball in from Wilford.

A speedy counter attack led to the third goal. After regaining possession in midfield, a quick pass from Hannah Palmer found Jess Howland in the D, and she slotted home.

With 21 minutes gone the game was as good as won, but Magpies still wanted to improve their goal difference. Just before the interval, however, Bromley hit back when a nifty run fled to a reverse stick shot into the back of the net.

In the second half a messy few minutes saw the umpire give a yellow card to a Bromley player, followed by a yellow for a Magpies player.

With both teams down to 10 for a while, play was even and no further goals came, though Magpies did force a few corners. Emily Wilford was voted player of the match.

This weekend Magpies are at home to second-placed Ipswich (12.30pm).