With a trip to the Olympic Park in sight, Magpies set off for London with the return of Jack Hobbs and, for the second week in a row, Duncan Stevens and James Osborne, to take on promotion hopefuls Wapping.
From the outset Magpies knew it was going to be a tough game and, by with standing early pressure, gradually found their feet. Chances were being created however, and occasional breaks saw many of the forward line well within the opponents half. Unfortunately, Magpies, with an already small squad, were reduced to just 12, when Ad Lascelles stumbled awkwardly on his ankle, rolling it and putting himself out of action – for moments the bench was unaware of this, and Wapping were posing a real threat on goal, but the back three were able to weather the pressure before reinforcements arrived. It was only a matter of time before a very strong Wapping side were able to take the lead, when a Wapping striker was able to lose his marker to deflect the ball past goalkeeper George (who played excellently all game). This was deserved, but it did not take long for Pies to draw level. With about 25 minutes on the clock Matt Bensly stole the ball in the offensive D, which resulted in the ball falling kindly for Rocket who fired home from close range, bringing things level again. Superb hockey from both sides meant that the first half closed 1-1 and Magpies could take a rest knowing they were doing their job.
With the score at 1-1, an exciting second half was to ensue. Both sides continued to pose attacking threats and chances went begging at both ends. Although Wapping enjoyed much larger spells of possession, and did exploit their pace up front, Magpies continued to create chances on the counter. A fantastic aerial from Jack Hobbs saw Rocket beyond the Wapping back line and with no one to beat for pace, he momentarily looked lost. Soon well inside the Wapping D, and after almost taking it around the keeper, his shot form a tight angle was excellently saved. This was to be as close as Magpies came to taking the lead. For with only 30 seconds on the clock the umpires insisted that a Wapping short corner was retaken, and having held the hosts to 1-1 for the majority of the game, a well-executed drag flick was to end those Magpies’ hopes.
Though of course the boys were disappointed, nothing was to detract from what was probably the best performance thus far, which will play in Magpies favour next week when they take on Blueharts, who beat Magpies at home 3-0.