UEA 7
Spalding Men 1s 1
Spalding had only an 11-man squad for a tough trip to Norwich in Division One North of the Men’s East League
Despite this, they started strongly, creating a few chances and Stuart Cunningham converted the first short corner of the game to put the visitors ahead.
With their heads up even higher, Spalding defended their lead well, seeing a lot of pressure, before a ball was given away at the back and capitalised on to level the scores. Moments later, a well-worked short corner routine saw a deflected shot glide into the bottom corner to give UEA a 2-1 interval advantage.
Tired legs saw gaps begin to appear and allowed the UEA attackers to get in front of the Spalding defence to deflect two similar goals into the bottom corner in quick succession. With a mountain to climb, the exhausted Spalding team battled hard but conceded three more to end with a result that did not reflect the effort they all put in.
David Dorey won the man of the match award.
Spalding Men 2s 2
Cambridge South 4s 1
Spalding secured a hard-fought victory over Cambridge South in an intense and competitive Three North West encounter.
The hosts started brightly, dominating possession and earning a series of short corners, eventually taking the lead from a penalty corner.
Despite continued pressure, the visitors’ defence held firm and Spalding had to settle for a 1-0 half-time advantage.
The second half saw a more balanced contest, but Spalding remained dangerous and doubled their lead with a clinical finish.
Cambridge responded late, pulling a goal back from a well-worked penalty corner. Spalding’s defence stood strong under pressure, seeing out the game to claim all three points.
Cambridge City 5s 4
Spalding Men 3s 2
Spalding suffered defeat at Division Four North West third-placed Cambridge City.
Glenn Richardson gave Spalding an early lead with a net-busting effort but Simon Goode’s efforts to play through the previous week’s injury were in vain because he had to retire early from proceedings
City started to find their stride with some good passing on a bumpy pitch and scored three goals before half-time.
Spalding reduced the arrears in the first minute of the second half when Richardson finished coolly.
Spalding battled hard for an equaliser but defensive indecision saw City add a fourth.
Bourne Deeping 4s 2
Spalding Men 4s 0
A battling performance was not enough to save Spalding from Division Five North West defeat at their neighbours.
Missing a few experienced players, Spalding struggled to find their usual rhythm but still managed to create chances, only to be denied by solid defending.
Man of the match Lorenzo Mendoza produced a commanding performance in defence, supported well by Marco Mendoza, who made several crucial tackles.
In midfield, Andy Barlow and Dylan Hind worked tirelessly to control possession, while Brian Read provided support down the wing.
One of Spalding’s best opportunities fell to Fred Neal but he sent his effort just over the crossbar.
Bourne Deeping took the lead with a well-placed finish after a scramble in the D. Spalding pushed for an equaliser in the second half with Andy Barlow dictating play in midfield. Dylan Hind and Dave Burrell battled hard to create openings but, as Spalding pressed forward, Bourne Deeping capitalised on the space left at the back to seal the win with a second goal on the counter-attack.
