For the first time this season the M2s nearly had all of their players available as they welcomed Harleston Magpies M1s in their East Premier league fixture.

After an even start Michael Thompson opened the scoring for Magpies after only 6 minutes with an outstanding backhand finish from the left which sailed into the top right corner of the goal. Magpies doubled their lead on 13 when Andrew Johnson slotted home from open play.

For the rest of the first half Loughts looked composed in the centre with captain Ollie Davies, centre back Ali Bray and centre mid Harry Kempe distributing well and breaking down the Magpies threats. Freddie Goddard in the Loughts goal made two important saves to keep Loughts in contention.

Loughts nearly scored shortly after half time when a cross to Davies at the far post (which he tried to convert) was smothered.

Loughts persevered and some rather agricultural Magpies tackling resulted in a number of short corners and Harry Moffat scored after 40 minutes to bring Loughts back into contention.

Magpies responded well and after a short corner were awarded a flick which Oliver Hall converted.

Loughts bounced back a minute later when Harry Moffat converted another corner.

As the match continued, James Donnelly and Will Jamieson found new confidence and started to find gaps in the Magpies defence. Matt Lewis tackled back well and looked dangerous on the wing.

The breakthrough for Loughts came from another clumsy tackle from Magpies leading to a good corner routine which ended with Bray deflecting in the equaliser.

Both teams pressed for a winner but the match ended in a 3-3 draw.

Next week Loughts M2s play Broxbourne M1s. All support welcome.