Harleston Magpies crush Ipswich in hockey derby clash

Pete Bale slides in for Harleston against Ipswich. Picture: PAT LEATE (Image: Patricia Leate)

Harleston started very brightly and within five minutes had taken the lead with David Gilbert finishing low into the right corner.

Gilbert was at it again moments later sweeping in a one-time shot underneath the keeper after good work on the right from Matthew Richardson.

After more pressure Harleston went 3-0 up before half-time with player/coach Tim Whiteman, making a first appearance of the season after 12 years away from the club, lifting the ball over the keeper after excellent work from Jonty Gosling and Archie Winter.

The half-time score was 3-0.

In the second half Magpies remained relentless in their pursuit of a fourth, which was found in an unlikely manner with defender Andrew Bedwell finding the net via a Thomas Ridley pass after a short corner break-down.

Harleston continued to pass the ball around confidently, finding space in the circle and after good pressure from Stuart Leate and the excellent Thomas Sumner, Sam Patterson was released to slap in for the fifth.

Patterson then added his second and the team’s sixth with an accurate finish into the bottom corner.

Mid-way through the second half Ipswich went down to ten and Harleston applied further pressure. After an excellent turnover in midfield Whiteman scored his second with a back-hand finish low into the near corner.

Gilbert, Leate and Bale all went close shortly after and eventually Harleston added an eighth with Archie Winter rounding off a fine game by guiding the ball in at the far post.

Coach Whiteman said: “This was a performance we can gain significant confidence from as it demonstrated huge progress from previous week’s efforts, particularly on the ball with our passing game.”

This week Harleston travel to Letchworth, who currently sit mid table in the league.