Not really sure where to start this report, Magpies arrived early, completed an extensive warm up, and in truth were probably four goals to the good before the game started. There were mitigating circumstances, Newmarket missed the injured duo of Josh Dawson and Jordan Newnes, and James Atkinson was away practicing travelling before he goes travelling. Other than that, Captain fantastic Simon Donald had a full squad to chose from and the luxury of Nick Olding and Dylan Hardy making their league debuts amongst a squad of twelve.
Magpies scored five unanswered goals in the first half and a further four in the second period before a rush of blood resulted in them having a defender red carded. Ollie Wade received a yellow in the same incident and both sides finished the game with 10.
Magpies played with a structure and intensity which meant they thoroughly deserved their win, they pressed well and broke at pace and had players skilful enough with the ball on their stick to commit and beat men in midfield.
Newmarket felt on the balance of play the game wasn’t as comprehensive as the score line suggests and could quite rightly bemoan bad luck luck for half the goals. After some time to reflect, you do earn your own luck. Magpies were sharper in thought aswell as movement and as a consequence often reacted quicker to the situations that presented themselves. Magpies are a good side and we’ll know for sure how good by the time we play them again near Christmas and the league season has unfolded.
There were some positives, mainly from the teams younger players, it was good to see Felix Allen back after a years away with injury. Alex Clarke did complete some skilful dribbles and more variation to his game will come with game time and Dylan Hardy once again demonstrated a gift for finding space and quick turn of pace.