Magpies in pre-season action

Pre-season is well under way at Harleston Magpies and six teams were back in action on Saturday.

The Men’s I travelled to Southgate where, despite a 2-1 defeat, there were many positives to be taken from the experience against a National League team.

The Ladies’ I, meanwhile, headed to Reading with a mixture of youth and experience among the ranks.

Georgie Gardens, Phoebe Eglington and Lara Taylor made their first-team debuts.

While Reading found the net four times from four short corners, Magpies did create chances and will know what to work on in preparation to face St Albans on Saturday, in another friendly.

Back at the club’s Weybread base, the newly-promoted Men’s II faced Norwich Dragons with a much-changed team in this early stage of the season.

After going a goal down, Magpies managed to reorganise and level the score but heavy legs and a lack of concentration allowed Dragons to break through late in the game and score the winning goal.

The Ladies’ III hosted Norwich City and fielded a young side who, despite going down to a 6-2 defeat, played some good attacking hockey and coped well with the pressure from a well organised team.

Bobby Wiseman looked sharp up front and Lucy Gooch made some important saves in goal.

The Men’s III made hay while the sun shone with a 5-2 win against Norwich Dragons II.

Starting brightly with a goal from Toby Hughes, Magpies extended their lead when Kieron Peters volleyed past the goalkeeper.

Dragons pulled a goal back before half-time but further goals from Hughes and Peters, plus Ben Emms, alongside notable performances from Seth Read and Dicken Taylor, ensured the victory.