Womens 1s vs Southgate W1

Bouncing back from last weeks away defeat to a strong University of Exeter team was going to be a big ask for the Magpies. However, after some excellent training sessions during the week, and the usual positive pre-match vibes being shared around the team, the Magpies went into the match feeling confident of bringing home some well needed points.

The weather was perfect, and buoyed on by some early Oktoberfest liquid refreshments, the crowd of approximately 200 hockey fans created an exciting and intoxicating (no pun intended) atmosphere for both teams. For the walk-out, the teams were accompanied by Southgate’s ‘Ali’ Gator mascot and some rather unexpected red smoky pyrotechnics; fortunately, the Magpies’ pristine kit and steely looks secured them the ‘Best Walk-Out’, as voted for by the match report writers dad, Ben.

The game was fast paced from the off, and the Magpies strong and decisive start was rewarded by an excellent early goal via three quick passes up the middle and a great finish by Isobel Wolfe. Unfortunately, Southgate were made of far stronger stuff than their mascots foam head and they managed to score a quick retaliatory equaliser via a short corner. The rest of the first quarter was pretty tight, with some end-to-end passages of play, but no clear chances on goal for either side.

The second quarter started in the same fashion as the first ended, with both sides struggling to find ways to break the defences down. The Magpies had more chances though, and built up their attacks through some confident passing around the back, and some cutting runs up the wings. Southgate initially threw most of what they had down their left wing, but were adequately repelled and eventually took to trying to attack straight down the middle. Harleston looked slightly more in control for the remainder of the half. But it ended 1-1.

Coming out after half time, both teams were clearly up for the fight, and the third quarter was a physical affair with a number of cards being dished out. In fact, the second half saw three greens and three yellows in total, clearly showing what it meant to both sides. Harleston looked the better of two in the third quarter, but never saw many clear chances at goal. The fourth quarter saw some tired legs, and both teams had breakaway chances that were thwarted by strong defences. The Magpies bravely saw off two late PCs, which led to a well-deserved point with the 1-1 draw. Had they managed to hold the lead for the rest of the quarter, the game may have just gone their way, as they showed grit, determination, and some excellent passes. It was a ground-out draw on the road, and the Magpies should be proud of a solid team performance.

The next match is against Wimbledon W2s at home – 1430 pushback.

Player of the Match: Emily Hicks