Newly-formed Spalding United Orange under-9s put in a promising showing at the popular Wisbech St Mary Tournament in their first-ever outing together.
Game one saw the Oranges, managed by Fraser McNab, take on hosts Wisbech St Mary Yellow. Excited for their first competitive match together, the Oranges battled hard and competed well in what was a close affair, with both sides having chances.
However, the levels of excitement faded late on and Wisbech pinched two late goals to win 2-0.
Next up were Thorplands – and it was to be a game to remember for the Spalding lads.
They bagged their first-ever goal when a shot from the left wing by Finn Macaulay was parried into the path of T-Ja Spiller, who finished the rebound well. They then doubled their money when
Macaulay, with the aid of a deflection, whizzed an effort past the keeper and into the goal to clinch a memorable 2-0 triumph.
Next up was a derby duel with fellow South Holland side Holbeach United under-9s.
Keeper Ryan Thorold made a number of super saves before Holbeach finally went ahead.
Josh Caller was unlucky not to level and Macaulay saw an effort hit the bar, but Spalding couldn’t find a leveller and lost 1-0.
There was a quick turnaround for game four – and it told, with the tired Oranges soundly beaten 2-0 by Warboys.
Spalding also went down 2-0 in next game against Riverside Blue, despite a top defensive display from Samir Cookson.
They then ended the tournament with a 3-1 loss against a very strong Hampton Royals side.
The group winners raced into a 3-0 lead, before Spiller smashed home one of the goals of the tournament with an incredible volley that found the top corner.
Team: Josh Caller, Samir Cookson, Finn Macaulay, Josh Relph, Elliot Riley, T-Ja Spiller and Ryan Thorold.
