Mens 1s vs Banbury M1

Harleston Magpies Men, sponsored by Seven, travelled to Banbury for their last match of the season knowing that a win would achieve 5^th place in the league.

Magpies were boosted by the return of Tom Dunnett from injury and gave a National League debut to goalkeeper Nick Moss.

Banbury started the stronger and put pressure on the Magpies defence leading to a couple of penalty corners that Magpies defended successfully. Nick Moss was called into action in open play and made several good saves from shots from the top of the circle. Magpies started to find their passing game with Ben Gowing, Giles Flatt and Tom Ridley prominent and created a couple of half chances towards the end of the quarter. In the final minute of the quarter Banbury won another penalty corner and scored from a well worked routine and a deflection high into the net.

The second quarter was even with both teams creating scoring opportunities but unable to convert pressure into goals. Magpies midfield started to gain the upper hand with Ben Brand, Nicolas Urquhart-Pearce, Lawry Williams and Ben Emms working hard to win turnover ball. When Banbury attacked Ed Cross, Tom Dunnett, Mark Flatman and Glies Flatt all made important tackles. Half time was reached with Banbury still leading 1-0.

Magpies started the second half pressing Banbury high up the pitch and this paid immediate dividends with the award of a penalty corner from which Myles King scored with a powerful drag flick. Banbury immediately responded and a flowing move the length of the pitch ended with a pull back from the byline and a goal scored from close range. Further pressure from Magpies resulted in Alex Wier-Simmons winning a succession of penalty corners and from the last of these, Oakley Elsom scored at the far post to equalise.

With everything to play for in the final quarter, Magpies worked hard defensively and continued to create opportunities to score when able to transfer the point of attack with early high paced passing. Nick Moss was called into action to make fine saves when Banbury had opportunities but was eventually beaten from the penalty spot after a challenge from Ben Gowing fouled a Banbury attacker in the act of shooting. Magpies increased their intensity and pressed Banbury high up the pitch in an effort to equalise again but were unfortunate when Lawry Williams received a yellow card. During this time, Magpies won further penalty corners but were unable to score and Banbury finally made the player advantage count when they scored a fourth goal with a shot which beat Nick Moss after a deflection from the stick of a defender. With the clock running down, Magpies were unable to respond and the match finished in a 4-2 defeat.

Whilst the squad were disappointed to lose, other results meant that Magpies finished in 6^th place in the League. The season has seen some excellent performances against the top sides but Magpies have struggled to win against sides near the bottom of the division. Improving the consistency in performance level throughout the season is key objective for next season.