Ladies 1st Team vs Cambridge City 1st Team (Away (L) L 3-0)
Harleston Magpies sponsored by Musker McIntyre Estates Agents this week travelled to Cambridge City. Magpies went into the game knowing that they would be a Cambridge City team much boosted from that of the previous season. With an ever increasing injury list and school fixtures making some of the younger players unavailable, Magpies called up Laura Tibbenham and Olivia Locke to the team to make their National League debuts.
The game started slowly, however, as the first-half progressed Cambridge’s Olympic Gold Medalist Helen Richardson-Walsh inevitably began to take control of midfield. After 15 minutes Cambridge worked a great move down the left, carrying along the baseline and the resulting cross being put past Magpies’ keeper.
For the remainder of the first-half Cambridge continued to control the game and created several half chances without really putting the Magpies’ keeper, Charlotte Peet, under too much pressure. Emma Lee-Smith continued to probe with some strong injections into our attacking circle but unfortunately Magpies’ forwards were unable to get on the end of them.
1-0 down at half-time, coach Rob Sorrell rallied the troops and Magpies came out fighting. For the first ten minutes Magpies controlled the game and created several chances to score. Magpies won a number of short corners and a Lucy Whiting effort was denied by the post; but sadly Magpies were unable to find a break-through. Midway through the second half Cambridge broke down the right and following a quick free hit on the edge of the D penetrated the circle which was well deflected by the Cambridge forward to make it 2-0.
Magpies did not allow their heads to drop and continued to press. After a quickly taken free-hit, a fantastic through ball to Emma Lee-Smith drew a foul, resulting in a penalty flick to Magpies; unfortunately, the firm shot to the bottom left was well saved by the Cambridge keeper.
This appeared to really spur on Cambridge who then took control of the remainder on the half and forced a number of short corners one of which was stopped on the line by a Magpies’ foot and a penalty flick was awarded. Helen Richardson-Walsh stepped up and coolly converted making it 3-0, which was the resultant final score.
It was a tough day for Magpies, with Cambridge worthy winners but Magpies will take heart that they worked hard and gave it their all. Those stepping up made a great contribution and gained confidence as the game went on.
Next week, Harleston Magpies welcome high-flyers Sevenoaks to the Nest, who will be looking for revenge after Magpies’ 1-0 home win last season.
Squad: Charlotte Peet (GK), Lucy Belsey (Capt.), Lauren Barber, Jess Howland, Katherine Ridley, Louise Greenacre, Olivia Locke, Emma Lee-Smith, Annie Nunn, Lauren Mickleburgh, Charlie Harrison, Lucy Whiting, Tor Findlay, Alice Woollatt, Laura Tibbenham