Cambridge Nomads 1st 1 Spalding Men’s 1st 4
With the league title wrapped up, Spalding 1st travelled to Cambridge Nomads with the aim of finishing the season unbeaten and looking to continue their red hot form.
With a couple of players missing and injuries hitting the squad, Spalding were initially slow and lethargic with passes going misplaced.
This allowed some chances to Nomads which Oscar Haunch in goal was equal to.
In the latter stages of the first half Spalding began to grow into the game and started creating chances of their own, but they were unable to break the deadlock before the half time whistle due to some great goalkeeping.
An inspiring half time team talk saw Spalding come out of the traps and within minutes win a penalty stroke.
Vice captain Jacob Baker expertly dispatched the flick for the 100th goal of the season for Spalding and to give them a 1-0 lead.
Spalding then took the game away from Nomads in spectacular fashion when Dan Azzopardi, although not knowing too much about the finish, somehow diverted the ball into the goal from a Will Wright reverse cross hit shot into the D.
Wright continued his fine game with a goal of his own from a penalty corner to put Spalding 3-0 up.
Spalding then added a fourth goal through some great play by James Grant reaching the baseline then cutting the ball back for the Nomads’ defender to put into his own goal and give Spalding total command of the game.
Within the last five minutes of the game and the tempo dropping, Nomads were able to pull one back with a smart finish into the net.
Spalding saw out the rest of the game and finished 4-1 winners to move within two games of an unbeaten season.
Norwich Dragons 1st 5 Spalding Ladies’ 1st 2
Spalding Ladies’ 1st travelled to second‑placed Norwich Dragons with a mindset of having nothing to lose, everything to prove.
With Dragons pushing for promotion, the focus was simple — stay disciplined, keep the goal difference tight, and take the chances when they came.
The hosts struck early, finding the net in the fourth minute after an unfortunate moment.
Despite the early setback, Spalding regrouped, defending with determination and structure.
Dragons eventually broke through again in the 33rd minute, sending Spalding into half time 2-0 down, but far from defeated.
They had made several promising runs into their D and knew a goal was within reach.
The second half brought fresh challenges.
Just three minutes in, Georgina Maplethorpe was forced off with a hamstring injury, leaving the ladies with a bare 11 players.
Dragons capitalised quickly to make it 3-0, but Spalding refused to fold.
A well‑worked short corner brought the breakthrough.
Hennie Boekestyn’s strike found Honor Moore on the right post, whose shot was blocked by a defender’s body.
On pitch captain Karen Timby stepped up for the penalty flick and dispatched it confidently into the left corner — 3-1 and very much game on.
Dragons responded almost immediately with a counter attack to restore their three‑goal cushion, but Spalding kept pushing.
With no subs and legs tiring, Sophie Wilson produced a moment of composure in midfield, threading a perfectly timed ball through to Moore, who slipped it through the defender’s legs and under the keeper — a superb finish and a well‑earned lift for the team.
Dragons added a final goal late on, and even after Boekestyn was forced off after taking a hard ball to the foot, the remaining ten players dug deep to hold the score at 5-2. Given the circumstances — injuries, no substitutes and a promotion‑chasing opponent — the team left the pitch proud of a gritty, resilient performance.
Spalding Ladies’ 2nd 2 St Neots 2
Spalding Ladies’ 2nd put in a strong performance against St Neots, having the majority of possession throughout the game.
The team moved the ball well and made lots of effective passes around the opposition, limiting St Neots’ chances to build any real play.
Seven minutes into the second half, Spalding took the lead. The ball was played forward, leading to a shot on goal which Kelly Cooper deflected in to give Spalding the advantage.
St Neots responded quickly, scoring three minutes later from a short corner to level the game.
Spalding regained the lead 18 minutes into the half from another short corner.
Vicky Worrall passed the ball past the opposition’s setup to Evie Maltby, who slapped it into the goal to make it 2-1.
However, St Neots managed to equalise with seven minutes remaining from open play.
Despite creating numerous chances and controlling much of the game, Spalding were unable to find another goal before the final whistle.
Spalding Ladies’ 3rd 1 City of Peterborough 5th 2
Spalding Ladies’ 3rd played a hard-fought match against City of Peterborough 5th, with the final score ending 1-2.
The game was filled with intense moments and strategic plays from both teams.
Peterborough took the lead early in the game with a goal in the 17th minute, after long corner pressure.
Spalding were able to equalise in the 42nd minute through a successful penalty corner from Eloise Hull finished by Lucy Wilson.
However, Peterborough responded, with a scramble in the D, in the 63rd minute.
Despite Spalding’s best efforts, Peterborough’s strong defence secured their victory.
It was a well-contested match that showcased the skills and determination of both teams.
Spalding Men’s 2nd 2 Cambs City 4th 4
Despite creating numerous chances throughout the game Spalding were unable to outscore their opposition and went down 4-2.
On another day Spalding could have easily scored double figures but having gone down 3-0 in the first half they were unable to climb the mountain to get the vital win.
Second half goals from Pete Wright and Tim Maltby were all Spalding had to show for their efforts leaving them two games left to save their season.
All pictures by Nigel Cookson.
Spalding Men’s 3rd 0 Cambridge Nomads 7
Spalding appeared on a dull day at Wilberforce Road to take on Cambridge Nomads.
Sitting mid table, Spalding knew they needed to bring the fight.
Nomads showed their experience from the start, having to dig in defensively.
Nomads started with a well-worked goal five minutes in.
Spalding made some solid triangle play in the midfield between Martin Perkins, Dylan Hind, Brian Read and Ethan Worrell however they couldn’t hold off the attacks.
The first half ended 0-5 to Nomads.
Five minutes of inspiration from the half time talk saw Spalding return to the pitch with a new drive.
Some great play saw Tom Eve and Rafa Read take on a two on two in the D but it ended up wide.
Spalding continued to battle hard but the match ended 0-7.
The score line flattered Nomads, heads up for next week.
Spalding Men’s 4th 0 Bourne Deeping Men’s 3rd 6
Spalding Men’s 4th welcomed Bourne Deeping Men’s 3rd to their home pitch in Glen Park for a tough match against a very experienced and strong opposition.
Bourne Deeping started the game confidently, using their experience and strength to control the early stages.
Their attacking play caused Spalding plenty of problems, and the Spalding defence had to work extremely hard to deal with the pressure.
Bourne Deeping created several short corners, keeping the defence under constant pressure.
Goalkeeper Steve Thurlbourne was kept busy throughout the match and made several important saves to keep Bourne Deeping from extending their lead further.
Up front, Sam Willerton worked tirelessly, pressing the opposition defence and chasing down every ball.
Despite the defensive efforts, Bourne Deeping scored several well-worked goals in the first half, taking a 4-0 lead into half time.
Spalding came out in the second half determined not to give up and showed much more resilience.
The defence tightened up, the midfield battled hard, and the team created some promising attacking moments.
Will Clark displayed excellent ball control, while the younger players – Isaac Davidson, Matthew Dorsett, and Jake Sawyer – put in huge efforts, with Sawyer coming close to scoring on one occasion.
Bourne Deeping added two more goals in the second half to secure a 6-0 victory, but Spalding can take positives from their determination and improved second-half performance.
