Harleston Magpies Men's first team aiming to secure promotion to the National League during trip to Bedford

It seems to be only a matter of time before they secure promotion, but team manager Kevin Ridley is keen to see Harleston Magpies Men’s first team complete the job this weekend.

This summer’s planned restructure to the hockey pyramid means that the top four teams in the East Men’s League Premier A will be promoted to the National League.

And the second-placed Magpies can rubber stamp their position within that quartet by taking maximum points from tomorrow’s trip to Bedford, who currently occupy fourth spot (2.30pm).

The gap to West Herts, who have a game in hand, in fifth is a hefty 12 points, meaning that failure to beat Bedford is unlikely to be terminal.

Nevertheless, Ridley is hoping that things will be sewn up at the first time of asking.

“It is a big day for the team. It is going to be a tough game against a physical side who need to get the win to keep themselves involved in the promotion race,” said Ridley.

“We have a full squad available and if we play our game we should be fine. Complacency will not be an issue either because we want to get this done as soon as possible.

“It is important to finish strongly because that sends out a message for next season.”

Harleston are also still firmly in the title race, sitting three points adrift of the leaders Wapping with four matches to play.

Ridley added: “Wapping are flying at the moment and they are the team to beat.

“We can only concentrate on ourselves and our own results. We have to put the wins on the board and then see what happens.”