East Premier A Harleston Magpies 6 Saffron Walden 1 Harleston started with an intensity that Saffron Walden were shocked by and they could not match.

It wasn’t long till this intensity paid off, Will Martin started a mazy run in midfield beating numerous players then ending with a turn on the baseline to deliver the ball across the D to the eagerly waiting Magpies’ attackers.

After the cross being rebounded off the keeper, Martin once again found it at the end of his stick only to slot the ball in the back of the goal.

This excellent intensity continued and was rewarded with Magpies being awarded a short corner, and up stepped Sam Patterson, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net.

Magpies continued to assert their dominance and it was soon 3-0, from another short corner, this time Dave Gilbert.

The intensity began to die down and Harleston allowed Saffron to string a few passes together.

A cross into the danger area was ricocheted off a Saffron stick into the back of the net, getting them back in it at 3-1. #

But Magpies responded in the best way possible by going on the attack and winning another short corner.

The first shot was saved, but the ball fell to the feet of Andrew Bedwell, who calmly slotted the ball in for his first goal of the season.

The umpire’s whistle blew and at half-time it stood at 4-1.

And, after a positive team talk from coach Tim Whiteman, it was the home team that came out once again with the greater intensity.

The second half started will with a number of good passes being put together, starting all the way from the back, ending when Jake Sewell collected the ball and set up the fifth goal for Gilbert and a 5-1 lead.

It wasn’t long once again till Magpies had another short corner. Patterson had the chance for another, but fluffed his flick and the ball ended up at the feet of Simon Hipwell, who topped his shot but the bobbling ball deceived the defenders and made it 6-1.

The pressure continued with numerous short corners being won, giving Patterson the chance to add to his tally, but all his flicks shot over the bar.

This week the Magpies welcome City of Peterborough, who drew 4-4 with Wapping this weekend. Push back is at 2pm.