Harleston Magpies Ladies 0, Ipswich Ladies 0

Tuesday, October 9, 2012
2:09 PM

Magpies Ladies remain top of the Investec Women’s League Eastern Conference, despite being held by their title-rivals and neighbours at Weybread.

With Ipswich second before the game, it was always sure to be a close encounter.

Magpies made the stronger start, dominating first half possession and creating chances down the right hand side that peppered the Ipswich goal.

Opportunities came with some good interlinking play down the left hand channel as well, between Charlie Harrison and Emily Wilford. This good run of play forced Ipswich to concede penalty corners.

Magpies put on an extremely good and high press which led to a large turnover of possession by Ipswich. They thought they had taken the lead through Emma Lee Smith’s penalty corner strike, only for the ‘goal’ to be disallowed. Ipswich secured a penalty corner and also thought they had taken the lead only to be denied by the referee spotting an infringement.

Some more excellent defending and closing down by the midfield and defence limited further Ipswich chances, still leaving the score sheet blank.

The work rate showed by the Magpies players led to further chances and good saves by the Ipswich goal keeper to keep them in the game.

With five minutes to go, Magpies (and the home crowd) were certain that their team had snatched a late winner with an Emily Wilford strike – only for the effort to once again be denied, this time controversially.

Debbie Francis and Sarah Brook shared the player of the match prizes for Magpies, who this weekend face St Albans at home, with a start time of 12.30pm.

Despite the dropped points Magpies remain top, on goal difference, ahead of Horsham.

Harleston squad: Charlotte Harrison (captain), Lucy Miller (vice-captain), Katrina Warnes, Louisa Greenacre, Amy Campbell, Megan Adams, Debbie Francis, Lizzie Jones, Lauren Barber, Sarah Brook, Jess Howland, Emily Wilford, Angie Wheelhouse, Lizzie Jones, Emma Lee-Smith and Hannah Palmer.