Spalding Ladies’ 1st 1 Norwich City 3
Spalding 1st put in a determined performance but were ultimately beaten 3-1 by Norwich City in a hard-fought contest.
Norwich started strongly and managed to build a lead, but Spalding continued to battle and were rewarded with a goal from a well-worked short corner.
Jess Ball struck the initial shot and Laura Graves was perfectly positioned to get the decisive deflection and guide the ball into the back of the net, bringing Spalding back into the game.
At half time the score stood at 2-1 to Norwich.
Throughout the match, Spalding showed great determination and created several opportunities, but were unfortunate not to add to their tally.
Norwich managed to extend their lead in the second half, leaving the final score at 3-1.
A standout performance came from Pippa Bembridge in defence, who was outstanding throughout the game. Her composure, tackling, and ability to break down Norwich attacks earned her a well-deserved player of the match.
Kelly Cooper also had a fantastic game in midfield, making powerful runs down the wing and working tirelessly to win the ball back for the team.
Her energy and work rate were key throughout the match, earning her joint player of the match alongside Bembridge.
Despite the result, Spalding can take plenty of positives from a strong team effort and a battling display against tough opposition.
Pictures by Nigel Cookson.
Spalding Ladies’ 2nd 5 Cambs South 4th 1
Spalding Ladies’ 2nd produced a dominant display to secure an impressive 5-1 victory over Cambs South 4th.
Spalding started strongly, immediately applying pressure and dominating possession from the first push-back.
Their early attacking intent paid off within the opening 15 minutes when they won a short corner.
A perfectly executed routine saw a precise injection delivered to Amy Naylor at the top of the D, who slipped the ball across to Tabby Dunnett to calmly slot home and give Spalding the lead.
The momentum continued just five minutes later.
Vicky Worrall drove the ball powerfully into the D, setting up Steph Wilson who unleashed a superb strike past the keeper to double Spalding’s advantage.
Spalding maintained control and possession for the remainder of the half, despite the unexpected hail Spalding defending well and limited Cambs South’s chances to head into half time with a deserved 2-0 lead.
Spalding came out for the second half with renewed determination and kept control.
Within ten minutes a perfectly timed pass to Amy Naylor allowed her to smoothly deflect the ball past the keeper to extend Spalding’s lead to 3-0.
Moments later Spalding struck again. Worrall launched an enthusiastic effort toward goal which flew straight into the net, making it 4-0 and putting Spalding firmly in command.
Although Spalding worked tirelessly to maintain a clean sheet, Cambs South were awarded a short corner which was upgraded to a flick.
Despite Eliza Morris’s best efforts in goal, Cambs South managed to pull one back.
Spalding refused to let the setback affect their momentum.
Player of the match Leanne Isaac-Pitts was instrumental in midfield, driving play forward and winning another short corner after a determined run into the D.
Following slick passing and excellent teamwork around the D, Chloe P finished the move by spinning and slotting the ball neatly into the goal to seal the victory.
Spalding remained strong across the pitch until the final whistle, securing a well-deserved 5-1 win.
Spalding Ladies’ 3rd – no league game.
Spalding Men’s 1st 5 Cambridge South 2nd 0
Spaldjng welcomed Cambridge South for their final home game of the season and looking to remain undefeated.
With the squad hit with injury and illness, Spalding looked to make a quick start.
Within the first minute Jacob Baker rifled a reverse stick shot into the net, however it was adjudged to be from a back stick.
Spalding continued to press early on and won a penalty corner which Stu Cunnington expertly finished to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
With regular substitutions and rotation Spalding were unable to gather any real momentum and a lethargic period of the game saw South come back into it.
Oscar Haunch in goal was equal to any shots and preserved Spalding’s lead.
Just before the break another penalty corner was won which resulted in Cunnington adding to his tally and take Spalding into a 2-0 half time lead.
Spalding came out and upped the tempo after the break and within six minutes Will Wright fired an unstoppable reverse into the net.
With Spalding now in control vice captain Baker finished off a well-worked team goal with an ice hockey style slap shot finish to make it 4-0.
Spalding then finished the game off in style when captain Sam Howitt fired a stunning through ball down the pitch to find James Grant.
Grant did the rest and rounded the keeper and hit the ball into the net to make the game 5-0.
Spalding travel to Cambridge Uni next week to look to end the season undefeated as they look forward to life in Division One.
Spalding Men’s 2nd 1 Cambs South 3
Spalding started off well in defence.
They were able to win the ball back and play it down the wings . That allowed them to progress down the pitch and keep possession.
Spalding won several short corners through good effort all around but none were successful.
In the second half Spalding started to dwindle and got punished for this by conceding short corners which Cambs South made successful.
South then proceeded to score two more goals and saw out the rest of the game.
End result 3-1 loss.
Spalding Men’s 3rd – no league game.
Spalding Men’s 4th 2 St Ives Men’s 4th 2
Spalding Men’s 4th hosted St Ives Men’s 4th at Glen Park under sunny spring sunshine and a 11am push back.
Spalding made a strong start, moving the ball well and putting early pressure on the St Ives’ defence.
The midfield linked play effectively and the forwards created several promising attacking opportunities.
During the middle part of the first half Spalding experienced a dip in momentum, allowing St Ives to gain control of the match.
The visitors took advantage of this spell and managed to score twice, leaving Spalding 2-0 down at half time.
After the break, Spalding came out with renewed determination and produced a much stronger second-half performance.
The home side pushed forward and their pressure soon paid off when Andy Barlow scored to get Spalding on the board.
With momentum now with the home side, Ed Sly followed up with a second goal to level the match.
Spalding continued to create chances and short corners as they searched for a winner, showing great spirit and teamwork throughout the half.
Samuel Willerton was unlucky not score from a short corner with a disallowed goal.
There was also great work in defence from James Giles, who helped keep the team solid at the back during periods of pressure from St Ives.
A standout performance came from Alex Myland, who was named player of the match for his excellent attacking play and constant pressure on the St Ives defence.
Freddie Neal also had an excellent game, working tirelessly and contributing strongly throughout.
Spalding showed great character to fight back from two goals down and earn a well-deserved draw after a strong second-half performance.
