A dramatic late goal from Cameron Roy fired Spalding 5th to a great derby win over Long Sutton 3rd in East Men’s Hockey League Division 6NW (N).
On a weekend of catch-up fixtures, Sutton arrived at Glen Park with a very strong side including players who had played in higher leagues.
It was a game with very few chances, but the grit shown in both halves by the home side got them the win with the never-stop attitude having a big impact.
The only goal came two minutes from time when some great play from man-of-the-match Charlie Smith teed up Roy, who deflected the ball past the Sutton keeper to seal a famous victory.
Also on winning form in Division 3NW were Spalding 2nd, who picked up a 3-1 home win over St Neots 1st at Glen Park. Skipper Steve Rogers netted twice for them, while Darren Grooby was also on-target.
- In East Women’s Hockey League Division 4NW (N), Spalding Poachers 3rd suffered a 2-0 home reverse against rivals City of Peterborough 4th.
The hosts didn’t quite live up to their previous performances and were disappointed to come away with no points.
Despite creating several chances in the first half, Spalding were unable to convert them and went into the break at 0-0.
The experienced Peterborough forwards made no mistakes with their chances, leaving Abby Hodgett in goal with no chance as they capitalised on breaks against the run of play to score twice.
Poachers battled hard, especially the hard-working Kate Amess who found herself in the right position on many occasions, but were unfortunate not to create clear chances.
- Spalding’s under-16 girls enjoyed a thumping 5-0 win over their counterparts from Bourne Deeping on Sunday.
Maisie Foden (2), Hennie Boekestyn and Hannah Baker (2) got the goals to settle the cup clash.
- Spalding’s under-13 teams were in action in the Lincs League matches at Stamford.
The Lions team won their three games 5-0, 5-0 and 3-2, while the Tigers’ results were 0-2, 0-0 and 2-2.
The under-11 Panthers won 2-0, 2-1 and drew 2-2, with the Jaguars winning 4-0, 5-0 and 1-0.
Saturday fixtures
East Men’s Hockey League: Spalding 1st v Old Southendian 1st (2pm); Harleston 2nd v Sutton 1st (11.30am); Sutton 2nd v St Ives 2nd (2.30pm); Spalding 2nd v March 1st (3.30pm); COP 5th v Spalding 3rd (10am); Spalding 4th v Cambs South 4th (1.30pm); Alford 2nd v Spalding 5th (3.30pm); Sutton 3rd v Leadenham 3rd (4pm).
East Women’s League: Spalding 1st v Cambs City 4th (12.30pm); Sutton 1st v Cambs Uni 3rd (1pm); St Neots 2nd v Spalding 2nd (2.30pm); Sutton 2nd v Wisbech 2nd (10am); Spalding 3rd v Bourne Deeping 3rd (11am).
