St Albans Ladies 1sts suffered their first defeat of the season with a 2-0 home defeat against Harleston Magpies in the Women’s Conference East.

A goal in each half for Harleston downed the previously unbeaten Tangerines for a deserved win in a lacklustre performance.

Captain Holly Parsons, Ellie Watton and Katie Hockley went closest for the hosts but their usually clinical attack failed to convert any of their six penalty corners.

The disappointing result ends the Tangerines near perfect start to the season in a disheartening display.

It was an inauspicious start to the contest, St Albans struggled to find the fluidity and cohesion that had secured five straight wins and three consecutive clean sheets.

Despite possessing the meanest defence in the league, with just five goals conceded, the Magpies took a surprise lead in the 22nd minute, capitalising on an uncharacteristically disorganised defence.

The hosts were finding it difficult to create any noteworthy chances and at the half time whistle, the swagger exhibited by the relatively untroubled visitors resembled their unbeaten, 2nd placed opposition rather than their usual inconsistent selves.

The Tangerines needed an immediate response in the second half but despite an injection of gusto, they still struggled to break down their dogged opponents.

The joint table-toppers carved out good chances through Watton and Parsons but their day went from bad to worse when the plucky visitors doubled their advantage from a short corner with ten minutes remaining.

An increasingly desperate St Albans, who now dominated possession, surged forward looking for a way back into the game and almost received a lifeline but Hockley could not glance home from five yards out.

A frustrating afternoon was brought to an end and they will need to improve if they are to return to winning days next weekend against Chelmsford.