Spalding United U18 girls have been crowned Cambridgeshire League Cup winners.
The team travelled to Ely FC for the League Cup final against Newmarket Town.
There were a few nervous players in the changing room, but as soon as the game started, the team were flying at Newmarket and for the first 25 minutes it was all Spalding.
The manager asked the girls to be aggressive and physical from the start.
They looked dangerous down both wings, attacking with pace and skill on both flanks and set up a good few chances in the opening minutes.
Izzie Storrie slid a through ball into Chloe Revell, who started running from inside Spalding’s half. Revell looked second best to win the ball, but an outrageous turn of pace saw her fly past the defender, drive into the box and slam the ball home for Spalding’s first goal!
After the goal Spalding opened Newmarket’s defence several times.
Another fine through ball, executed by Annabel Duce, saw Logan Calderwood’s goal chalked off for a “dubious” offside.
A further chance arrived after Calderwood chased, harassed and robbed the ball from their defender and crossed to Storrie who was denied by a great save from Newmarket’s goalkeeper at the near post.
After 20 minutes, Nic Krajewska slotted home in the penalty area and Spalding was firmly in the ascendency.
Chances were being created regularly, and Spalding were in full control of the game.
Playing a 4-4-1-1 system, Spalding had added extra attacking options, as opposed to playing 4-5-1.
Spalding went in at the break with a 2-0 lead.
Newmarket upped a gear at the start of the second half and Spalding looked second best for a period.
They stabilised the team again by making changes and shoring up the midfield.
There were half chances here and there for both teams.
After 60 minutes, Storrie’s free kick made its way to Krajewska in the area, who took a touch away from the defender before firing into the bottom corner, giving the keeper no chance.
3-0 and Spalding were in full control of the game.
Further chances came and went for Issy De Leon Sanchez, Miri Jacombs and Storrie, as Spalding could have added further goals to their tally.
Goalkeeper Freya Willerton kept Newmarket out with a finger-tip save from a great hit inside the box, to maintain the lead.
With the game in added time, Newmarket scored a late consolation goal.
Player of the match was Krajewska, who scored two goals and drove Spalding to the win. Ball winner and creator, she was all over the midfield and refused to be beaten in the tackle.
