Beccles had high hopes of being able to obtain something from their return match with Harleston Magpies 3rds at the weekend.

But Magpies came with a much stronger side than in their previous encounter which could be why they are second in Division One of the Norfolk Empresa League.

Magpies scored all three of their goals in the space of five minutes, where on two occasions the visiting umpire played advantage. The first goal came after 17 minutes and was followed by two more to leave Magpies 3-0 up at the interval.

Jodie Sharp arrived for the start of the second half and resumed her normal centre mid position. With her on the field and with the constant hard work of Sarah Webster, Beccles were a lot better. Midway through, Sarah battled her way through into the D to score Beccles’s only goal.

The second half was much better for Beccles, but they had to settle for a 1-3 defeat.