Frazer Watt netted twice on his return from injury as Spalding 4th beat Wisbech Town 3rd 5-2 in East Men’s Hockey League Division 5NW on Saturday.
It was the highlight of a two-game weekend for the Glen Park side, who also went down 2-1 at St Ives 3rd 24 hours later.
On the Saturday, goals from Alex Cunnington, Ben Scholes, Jeremy Watt and Frazer Watt’s above-mentioned double earned them a 5-2 success over Wisbech Town 3rd.
Both teams looked rusty in patches in what was the first game for both after the winter break. Cunnington grabbed the only goal of the first half – and that was the only real highlight of the opening exchanges.
A great solo goal from Scholes – which included a neat one-two with Tom Amess – made it 2-0, before Frazer Watt made it three on his return from long-term injury.
Wisbech pulled two back as Spalding endured a tough spell, but man-of-the-match Watt then rifled home his second to essentially put the game to bed.
There was still time for Jeremy Watt to fire home the fifth to put the seal on a fine win.
Some 24 hours later, an under-strength Spalding 4th side – featuring nine teenagers – slipped to a 2-1 loss at St Ives 3rd.
They fell 2-0 down, but Cunnington’s late strike – a rebound from his initial effort – at least gave Spalding a consolation goal late on.
Up in Division One, Long Sutton 1st picked up a 2-2 home draw against East London 1st on Sunday.
Josh Baker and Josh Fyson netted for Sutton, who also saw their game at Bishop’s Stortford 1st on Saturday postponed.
In Division 3NW, Spalding 3rd suffered two defeats in as many days as they stayed rooted to the bottom of the table.
On Saturday, they suffered a 10-1 humbling away at second-placed March Town 1st as they were given a bit of a lesson in attacking play.
Their only highlight at Neale Wade Community College was a goal from Alan Charevicius.
Things didn’t improve on Sunday, with Spalding handed a 9-0 reverse by mid-table St Neots 1st. In truth, they were far too respectful to a well-drilled St Neots team and were soundly beaten.
Elsewhere, Long Sutton 2nd romped to a 6-2 success over hosts Alford 1st in Division 4NW. Tyler Hagan (2), Will White, Dan Oldfield, Nick Ellis and Gary Hales got the goals in an emphatic victory.
Down in Division 6NW (N), Spalding 5th were handed a 4-1 home reverse by leaders Leadenham 2nd.
Spalding competed well throughout the game in all areas of the pitch, but went into the half-time break 2-0 down. After the break it was Spalding who took command as man-of-the-match Jack
Martin slotted home to reduce arrears.
The leaders looked rattled as the host pushed for a leveller, but Leadenham broke away to make it 3-1, before adding a fourth to seal the points.
Long Sutton 3rd fared much better against Alford 2nd as they won 3-1 at the Peele Leisure Centre.
Ian White, Luke Proctor and Adam Sisson netted in a game that saw George Neale named man of the match.
