Harleston Magpies Men, sponsored by Seven, against Barford Tigers has always produced exciting hockey and this match was no exception. In a fast paced, competitive match both sides created many goal scoring opportunities but it was penalty corners that dominated the scoring.
Magpies started the better and opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a trademark drag flick from a penalty corner by Myles King. Barford quickly replied with a penalty corner conversion of their own and followed this with some great attacking hockey which brought out the best in Magpies defence of Ed Cross, Andy Bedwell and Mark Flatman. This pressure from Barford Tigers was rewarded with another penalty corner goal. Magpies responded well and a quick passing move the length of the field resulted in the award of a penalty corner which Myles King scored. The quarter ended at 2-2.
Barford Tigers started the second quarter very strongly but Magpies midfield with Tom Ridley and Ben Gowing to the fore managed to contain the skilful Barford midfield and also managed to launch several counter attacks. Play flowed from end to end but it was Barford who took the lead with another penalty corner conversion. Magpies responded again with a flowing move cutting through the Barford defence, only for Larry Williams to be denied from close range by a great save from the Barford Tigers goalkeeper. Right on the stroke of half time Magpies won a penalty corner and Myles King completed a first half hat trick with another drag flick.
Barford Tigers soon regained the lead when their centre forward dribbled along the baseline and put an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Worse was to follow for Magpies when Barford converted another penalty corner to lead 5-3. Just before the end of the quarter Barford were reduced to 10 players with a yellow card and Magpies put together some promising attacks.
In the fourth quarter Magpies continued to press Barford through the hard-working Dave Skinner, Nic Urquhart-Pearce, Ben Brand and Ben Emms. This pressure led to a couple of penalty corners and Tom Ridley eventually scored from a corner variation, finding the bottom corner of the goal from the top of the circle. Despite time running out, Magpies continued to pass the ball well but could only create half chances which were well defended by Barford Tigers.
Despite the match ending in a narrow 5-4 defeat, Magpies level of performance and commitment was first class against a very talented Barford Tigers team. With Bedford losing at University of Nottingham, Magpies are assured of playing National League hockey next season.
Magpies final match of the season is an away fixture at Banbury on Sunday 24th March.
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