Spalding Men’s 1st 4
Kettering 3
Goals: Dan Azzopardi, Jacob Baker, Steve Rogers, Stuart Cunnington
After an aggressive performance from both teams, Spalding were able to claw their way to victory at Kettering.
Spalding started on the front foot with some great link up passing between the midfield and the strikers.
This led to an early goal from Azzopardi with a clean sweep at the back post.
However, Kettering quickly answered with a goal of their own pouncing on the brief complacency of the Spalding players.
Recognising the intensity of the Kettering team, Spalding began to step up their game with the likes of Oliver Baker and David Dorey making long leads down their respective wings to drag out Kettering defenders.
This allowed the midfield to drive into the D where Jacob Baker was able to claim Spalding’s well-earned second goal.
After an impressive and flawless sliding tackle from Sam Howitt, with arguably oblique intent, turned into a pushing contest the umpires decided to get the captains together to discuss their tolerance and discipline policy.
Rattled after the heated exchange, Spalding conceded a penalty corner and a goal brought the score to 2-2.
Second half begun and Spalding conceded almost immediately after failing to get up to the speed of Kettering.
Now trailing 3-2 Spalding had to fight back with a goal of their own to stay above the surface in this match.
This goal was graciously provided by Stuart Cunnington through a penalty corner drag flick.
Kettering begun pressing deeper into Spalding’s half and after receiving multiple cards Spalding seemed sure to concede.
However, after a great defensive effort they survived their disadvantage and began a counter attack displaying picture perfect passing between Jacob Baker, Oliver Baker and Rogers which resulted in Rogers scoring the deciding goal of the match.
After incredible team and individual efforts Spalding managed to dig themselves out of multiple ruts to beat Kettering 4-3.
Spalding Ladies’ 2nd 6
Ely City 1st 0
Goals: Honor Moore, Karen Timby, Kelly Cooper
On a difficult Ely pitch, Spalding hoped to continue their winning ways and pick up another three points.
The game started with Spalding going straight out of the blocks creating early chances but were pushed back continually as the home team tried to create their own opportunities.
Spalding continued to press and were relieved to take the lead after 22 minutes when a pacy Moore left the Ely defenders in her wake before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.
A second goal quickly followed when Steph Wilson, returning from her two-minute sin bin for a mis-judged tackle, picked up the ball unmarked before playing it across the D for player of the match Timby to tap home. 2-0 remained the score into the half time break.
Into the second half, Spalding found themselves with greater control over the game. Two well-worked Timby and Cooper penalty corners resulted in Timby completing her hat-trick.
Keen to get in on the act, Charlotte Maplethorpe weaved round the defenders before the ball was swept home by Cooper.
The final goal came from a unstoppable Cooper penalty corner strike.
The L2s sit on top of the table with five games remaining.
Spalding Ladies’ 3rd 2
St Ives 3rd 4
Goals: Lucy McClements, Samantha Foston
Spalding knew they were going to have a battle on their hands and it showed early on when their defence was put under pressure.
It quickly became the St Ives show especially when they began overloading and attacking repeatedly.
It was not long before they drove into the top of the D and completed a great strike to score the first.
Before long, a scramble saw another sneak into the goal. Then minutes later, after a save by the Spalding keeper during a short corner, it was then followed up and captain Charlotte Morris could just not reach it in time.
3-0 down and still time for more, Spalding finally began to play the ball wide, helping it to reach the attackers.
There were moments where Spalding looked exciting, and goals looked like they could come.
The half time talk was necessary and the fighting spirit that normally oozes out of this team was asked for from manager Charlotte Morris.
As soon as the second half whistle began, the home side linked beautifully. They grabbed a short corner which Foston struck well but it was the magic of McClements that lifted it into back of the goal.
This was exactly the outcome manager Tim Maltby had been shouting about.
Determined to score more, Spalding continued to demonstrate the basics of pass, move and to want it more than the opposition.
Defender extraordinaire Kelly Tizzano made a great move and found a pass through to Foston who did not delay in taking it around several players and scoring a whopper of a goal.
Elated, Camille Rogers and player of the match Honor Pearson continued to work hard in the middle and made a real difference with their interceptions and ability to go forwards.
Terri Bateman and Sharon Amess continued to battle hard towards the end and kept their players away from keeper Eliza Morris who had made some impressive saves during the match, but a stroke was awarded St Ives’ way and their experience ensured they put it away.
Energy levels remained high thanks to the gladiators at the back – Kelly Tizzano continued to press high and found herself smashing the ball across the D ensuring the home side had another opportunity.
Sadly, it was not meant to be and they lost 4-2. It was a game of two halves but a game that demonstrated a desire this Spalding side have to ensure they turn disappointment into positivity.
Spalding Men’s 4th 0
Kettering 3rd 4
Spalding started the brighter of the two sides and good early passing saw them take the majority of possession.
Kettering then hit the post and soon after this they flicked the ball into the goal to open the scoring.
It remained 1-0 until half time and Spalding certainly felt they were in the game.
Keeper Rob Callaby made a brilliant save to keep it 1-0 but the game would then take a turn with Kettering scoring two quick fire goals.
Simon Goode kept the score down for a while with brilliant defending.
Brian Reid was sent off for a clinical foul on Kettering’s star man. Then they scored a glorious short corner goal.
It was a good effort by Spalding to keep the game at four something that was largely due to the strong play from their midfield.
In the end it proved to be a disappointing defeat however there were a lot of positives to take including Spalding winning a few short corners and putting together a lot of good passing moves.
Kettering have a 100 per cent record so this was a creditable performance by the young team.
