East Coast went into the game on the back of 3 hard fought well earned points and looked to build on their impressive return to hockey following Christmas. The team lined up as Marty Howes, Aidan Flatt, Matt Eagle, Jamie Ayers, Jamie Mortimer, Simon Cottingham, Mikey Cookson, Tim Dynan, Dan Croft, Max Riches and Sam Binks.

Harleston started the game in confident fashion and did well to exploit gaps in the East Coast midfield and defence. Smart runs and movement from their midfield and forwards allowed them to create many a chance. To their credit the score line in the first half did not reflect their dominance.

Harlestons first goal came midway inside the first half. Aidan Flatt had tried to block a shot from the Harleston forward in the D. In doing so, he lost his footing and looked like Bambi on ice as he slipped over and dropped his stick in the process. A penalty flick was given. Marty Howes made a great attempt to stop the flick, however it came off him and into the bottom corner for the magpies opener.

Dan Croft struggled for any service in the first half, and despite the hard running of Mikey Cookson and Simon Cottingham to transition the ball forwards, they could not break down a well drilled, solid defence.

At half time it was 1-0.

The second half followed a similar route, but this time Magpies became a lot more clinical with their chances. The Magpie attack made it hard for Tim Dynan to break up the play with the defence, including Matt Eagle, Jamie Ayers and Jamie Mortimer, being passed around effortlessly on countless occasions.

Despite Marty Howes heroic saves and a performance worthy of man of the match, he could not stop the relentless attacks on goal at every occasion.

Magpies were 4-0 up midway inside the second half. As a consolation East Coast were able to score a nicely worked goal as a fantastic pass and move from Sam Binks and Max Riches allowed the former to tap in.

The final whistle went and the game finished 5-1. A sobering lesson for East Coast to learn from as they look to make amends at IES next week.