Spalding Ladies’ 1st 0 COP Ladies’ 1st 5
Spalding Ladies’ 1st put in a hardworking performance on Saturday but were beaten 5-0 by a strong Peterborough Ladies’ 1st side.
The scoreline didn’t reflect the effort shown by Spalding, who produced some solid defending and moments of real determination throughout the match.
Peterborough started brightly and made the most of their short corner opportunities, scoring three well-taken goals from set pieces in the first half.
Despite the pressure, Spalding goalkeeper Freya Lee pulled off a string of impressive saves to keep her side in contention, backed up by some composed defending led by Karen Timby at the back.
Peterborough were briefly reduced to ten players when one of their midfielders received a green card for hitting the ball away, but Spalding were unable to capitalise before the break.
The visitors extended their lead in the second half with another goal being from a short corner and their final goal from open play, showing their attacking quality.
Spalding’s afternoon became more difficult when Ellie Holland was shown a green card for a bad tackle.
Although the result didn’t go their way, Spalding can take pride in their work rate, defensive effort, and team spirit against one of the league’s top sides.
Player of the match was Georgina Maplethorpe who was relentless all game in midfield.
Spalding Ladies’ 2nd 2 Long Sutton 2
On a sunny day Spalding ladies’ 2nd travelled to Long Sutton for the local derby, hoping to continue in their winning ways despite being depleted in numbers.
Spalding 2nd welcomed the return of Lauren Grimer from maternity which added experience to the defence, Lucy Wilson on her 2nds’ debut, Samantha Foston and Kelly Tizzano who doubled up in order for both the 2nds and 3rds to field teams.
Sutton started off strongly but six minutes in it was Spalding who capitalised on a defensive error to see Foston put the ball away to lead 1-0.
Both sides battled well and despite Spalding’s best efforts Sutton scored twice before half time to take the lead. Spalding came out strongly in the second half and pressured the Sutton defence and were rewarded five minutes from the end when Steph Wilson sent a ball through to Tizzano who fired it in to the Sutton D to Vicky Worrall who finished in style, smashing the ball into the top corner to bring the score line level at 2-2.
It was a real team performance and Spalding earned a well deserved point.
Spalding Ladies’ 3rd 5 COP Ladies’ 5th 0
Spalding 3rds played Peterborough 5ths looking to continue their winning streak.
For the first 20 minutes both teams fought for the ball leaving no score line, until Zoe Moore scored in the 26th minute from a penalty corner.
Then in the 35th minute Isla Worrall slotted the ball home putting Spalding 2-0 up.
Spalding continued to create many chances but the Peterborough back line held firm for the majority of the second half.
The constant pressure proved to be successful when they scored three goals in the last ten minutes of the game thanks to Kelly Tizzano from a sweeping penalty corner, Sam Foston following some skilful dribbling and Lucy McClements taking a chance in the D.
Next week Spalding face an away trip to Cambridge South looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season.
Special mention to player of the match Megan Wright for tirelessly defending and bringing the ball up the right hand side creating the perfect pairing with Jessica Pilgrim.
Spalding Men’s 1st 5 COP 4
Spalding welcomed COP for a local derby and backed by a large support for both teams, both sides looked to start off on the front foot.
Spalding started well passing the ball quickly around the D and this was rewarded early on as ever green Phil Callow raced into the D and finished calmly into the bottom corner.
Spalding continued to dominate the early exchanges and doubled their advantage when smart forward play resulted in Jacob Baker firing a reserve stick shot home.
COP grew back into the game and a lapse in concentration allowed a tap in at the back post which brought the game to 2-1 heading into half time.
Spalding regrouped at half time and came out the traps straight away which saw Will Wright fire an unstoppable reverse shot into the corner of the net.
COP came back at Spalding and a well taken penalty corner once again brought the game within one goal.
Spalding went on the front foot and outstanding work rate from the frontline saw Spalding rewarded with their own penalty corner which Stu Cunnington finished by faking his drag and slotting it into the corner on the reverse.
COP hit back and with the defence stretched, a well-taken goal brought the game to 4-3.
A mistake at the back gifted COP the chance to make it 4-4 however an outstanding save from Oscar Haunch kept Spalding’s lead.
With the game becoming stretched a flurry of cards from both sides came.
A super piece of skill in midfield saw Ethan Pearson released and a fine individual solo effort saw him reverse the ball into the back of the goal.
Spalding found themselves 5-3 up with five minutes to play.
Credit to the opposition who continued to attack and another late goal brought the game to 5-4.
Spalding Men’s 2nd 0 COP 5th 1
Spalding 2nds travelled to Peterborough for a late fixture under the lights.
Spalding began the game hesitant by struggling to keep possession of the ball.
Lawrence Smith-Hughes received an early green card.
Spalding continued to try and get a foothold in the game but Peterborough won and scored a penalty corner to make it 1-0.
This sparked Spalding to up their game and for the remainder of the first half Spalding were on the front foot and created more chances but couldn’t get an equaliser. Half time, Spalding were 0-1 down.
In the second half, Spalding continued how they ended the first half and looked the only team to score for the entire second half.
Callum Fraviger and Joe Maltby picked up green cards for showing a bit too much aggression in their tackles.
Spalding created a multitude of chances but just couldn’t convert any of them to an equaliser with the match finishing 1-0 to Peterborough.
Spalding Men’s 3rd 1 St Ives 3rd 4
On a sunny morning at Glen Park, Spalding Men’s 3rd hosted St Ives 3rd, who currently sit third in the league table.
Spalding started brightly, keeping good possession and moving the ball well.
Their early pressure paid off when Harry Vickers found the net with a well-taken finish to give the home side the lead.
St Ives responded strongly and levelled the score with a powerful shot that left the keeper no chance.
Spalding continued to push forward, with Cheston Palmer and Dylan Hind both coming close to restoring the lead but narrowly missing.
Just before half-time, St Ives managed to edge ahead to make it 2-1 at the break.
Despite being down a substitute in the second half, Spalding continued to create chances through Alfie Fletcher’s runs and several short corners, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.
As the game progressed, St Ives capitalised on their opportunities and added two more goals, leaving the final score 4-1 to St Ives.
Spalding’s youngsters played exceptionally well throughout the game, with strong performances from Ethan Worrall and Sam Willerton, who both contributed effectively in defence and attack.
Spalding will look to build on their bright start and keep creating chances in their upcoming fixtures.
Spalding Men’s 4th 5 COP 7th 4
Spalding 4ths travelled the short distance to face City of Peterborough 7ths in a game that on paper would be incredibly difficult.
And it proved to be that as Spalding conceded three goals in the first ten minutes of the game as they struggled to get out of the blocks.
For the rest of the first half, Spalding improved markedly, playing well and held their far more experienced and skilful opponents at bay.
The second half saw the travelling side tire and a further seven goals were conceded in a game that saw the home side dominate possession and move the ball swiftly and precisely.
It would be wrong to say that Spalding didn’t give it their all, in fact they played some very good hockey, they were simply well beaten by a far better side.
They entertain Wisbech at home next week looking to put this disappointing result behind them and remain comfortably in mid-table in seventh position.
