Spalding United Blue under-9s have picked up another impressive accolade after winning the immensely competitive Wisbech St Mary tournament on Saturday.
Following on from winning the title at the Deeping Tournament in May and reaching the last four of the Bourne Tournament more recently, the Tulips had high hopes of bringing another trophy home out in Fenland.
However, with 49 teams contesting the under-9 category the Blue boys knew they’d have to be on top form to get the job done.
Spalding’s group stage games saw them faced with six games – and they duly went on to win the lot.
Victories came against March Rangers (1-0), One Touch (2-0), Ramsey Rams (10-0), Stanground (2-0), Shelford (1-0) and Irchester Romans (2-0), with goals coming from all members of the squad.
That saw the Blues progress to the last 16, where they found themselves up against home opposition in the shape of Wisbech St Mary.
Undaunted, a 1-0 win saw them progress into the quarter-finals.
There they faced Hampton Royals, who had topped a group that included Spalding United Orange.
A tight tussle followed and the pair drew 1-1 to force the dreaded penalty shoot-out.
It was, though, Spalding who held their nerve to clinch their place in the last four as they scored all four of their penalties, while Hampton missed two and had one saved.
Awaiting Spalding in the semi-finals were another team from hosts Wisbech St Mary.
Having stumbled at this hurdle last time out at Bourne, the boys in blue had no intention of making the same mistake again and they progressed to the final with an impressive 2-0 success.
The final was to be a 15 minute match against March Royals. In-form Spalding continued their excellent run of play, with good passing, vision and speed.
And at the end of the game another 2-0 victory ensured that they were again champions of yet another tournament.
A club statement said: “Since under the new guidance of a manager and coaches, the team have gone from strength to strength.
“They have improved their skills on the ball, vision of the game, spatial awareness, speed and the confidence to know they have the ability to play and win matches.
“A big thank you goes out to Chris Maplethorpe, Richard Smith, Neil Maxwell and Fraser McNab.
“We are a united family with the boys, parents, supporters and coaches.”
Spalding United Blue under-9s squad: Connor Beeken, Richard Hall, Jack Haunch, Alfie Lewis, Harry Maplethorpe, Derrie Maxwell, Miguel Moitinho and Keane Slayven.
