St Ives 1st 7
Spalding Ladies’ 1st 1
Spalding travelled to St Ives for one of the most difficult games of the East League Division Two North West season.
The match started well with Spalding playing the ball around and moving into space. However, St Ives pressed hard, advancing into Spalding’s half and managed to score, despite the defence’s effort to stop them.
St Ives continued to pressure Spalding but Abigail Hodgett denied their chances to score on more than one occasion although the hosts did build a 5-0 interval lead.
Spalding started the second half determined to maintain possession and they were rewarded when Ellie Holland’s impressive shot flew past the goalkeeper.
St Ives continued their attacks and scored another two goals but excellent work from Charlotte Maplethorpe in defence ensured no further goals were scored.
Spalding Ladies’ 2nd 2
Bourne Deeping 1st 1
A thrilling Division Three North West encounter saw Spalding secure a hard-fought victory to claim top spot in the table.
The opening goal came from a penalty corner in the 18th minute. Sophie Wilson’s precise injection set up a battle between Karen Timby and the goalkeeper, resulting in a skilful goal.
Spalding extended their lead before half-time when Charlotte Maplethorpe’s drive down the line set up a perfect cross for Honor Moore to expertly slap the ball into the net.
The visitors roared back in the second half, working the ball into the D and managed to pull a goal back.
Spalding held on to their win thanks to a solid defence, which included player of the match Leanne Isaac-Pick, who worked effortlessly to prevent Bourne scoring an equaliser.
Spalding Ladies’ 3rd 2
Bourne Deeping 2nd 0
Spalding third team are celebrating their first away win of the Division Four North West season after a fine victory at Bourne.
They were keen to build on their win from before Christmas and did not disappoint as they got 2024 off to a flying start.
From the outset they utilised the width of the pitch to challenge the hosts.
Lucy McClements put pressure on Bourne throughout the game and when the home side did break free, the Spalding defence kept calm and were able to find the sticks of midfielders player of the match Vicky Worrall and Camille Rogers.
A beautiful ball from Kelly Tizzano met winger Holly Gleave, who crossed it into the D for Sharon Amess to pass across goal for Worrall to slide the ball across the line.
Spalding continued to work together to keep Bourne out of the D and were determined to ensure they hung on for maximum points.
Early in the second half a cheeky run from Sam Foston and a superb ball from Amess deflected off the opposition and the lightning reactions of Jennie Bradley saw her reverse volley the ball into the net to make it 2-0.
The home side continued to put pressure on Spalding and were awarded two short corners, however impressive goalkeeper Eliza Morris stood her ground to ensure nothing went past her.
