Mens 1s vs University of Birmingham M2

Harleston Magpies Men's 1st team sponsored by Seven faced University of Birmingham Men's 2nd XI today at the nest.

Magpies welcomed back Dave Skinner from his sabbatical and Sam Emms from pretending he prefers rugby to hockey.

The game started with both teams, officials and supporters holding a 2 minute silence to remember those who gave their yesterday so we can have our today. Birmingham started the better of the two teams and created some early chances which were rebuffed confidentiality by the magpies back line. As the first quarter went on, magpies found their feet and opened to scoring with a trademark rocket from Myles King leaving the keeper stranded.

The second quarter started again with magpies on the front foot creating good chances in front of the Birmingham goal. Another corner, another rocket from King and Magpies were two goals up. As the half drew to a close, some sloppy play by Magpies gave Birmingham the opportunity to break. Beating the Magpies backline before slotting the ball back post for a Birmingham player to score. 2-1. In the mele of the Birmingham goal the Magpies keeper was given a yellow card for reacting to being kicked in the face. Determined, Magpies battles hard for the 3 minutes when they were down to 10 and the following 2 minutes when their captain sat next to their keeper for chat. Once back to parity, magpies regained composure and saw the rest of the half out.

Some encouraging words from the coaching staff at halftime and we were back at it. Birmingham started the better in the third quarter but couldn't find their way past a resolute Magpies back line, even when they did their best Moses impression and parted like the red sea. Magpies extended their lead again with yet another Myles flick, leaving the keeper on his knees in awe of the thunderbolts he witnessed.

With Birmingham chasing the game and Magpies filled with confidence. The final quarter concluded with magpies soaking up everything that Birmingham could muster.

Big thanks to everyone who came up support the boys, next week we're back on the road with a trip to Barford Tigers.

POTM - Myles King