A Karen Timby winner ensured that Spalding Poachers edged a tight derby with rivals Long Sutton ladies 2-1 in East Women’s League Division 2NW.
On a foggy day at the Peele Leisure Centre, it was never going to be the terrific tussle that you’d expect between two of the division’s top three.
It was nip and tuck in the first period, with hosts Sutton creating the better of the chances. They finally grabbed the goal their attacking play merited before half time when Charlie Leuty, Jess Hudson and Lisa Baker combined to set up Leanne Woodhead, who fired home.
However, Spalding soon started to dictate the play for sustained periods in the second half.
From one of numerous penalty corner routines attempted by the Poachers, Kelly Tuplin finally beat the impressive Lorraine Wallis with a thunderous straight strike after 52 minutes.
It got even better for the visitors on 63 minutes when a penalty corner routine was saved and the ball fell to player-of-the-match Timby, who made no mistake flicking the ball into the roof of the net to give Spalding the victory their improved second half display deserved.
The derby success moves Poachers six points clear of Sutton in second – and they’re just one point behind leaders City of Peterborough 1st.
Down in Division 3NW (N), there was an all-club affair as Spalding Poachers 2nd defeated friendly foes Spalding Poachers 3rd 2-1 to stay second in the standings.
That being said, it was an outstanding performance from the depleted third side, who only had 11 outfield players available and no recognised keeper to call upon.
It was 1-0 to Spalding 2nd at half time thanks to Isabelle Whitehead’s strike.
Despite some probing attacking by Spalding 3rd’s Karen Thorold, Ali Wild, Lucy Simpson and Ellie Pybus, it was the 2nd side who scored next through Lauren Pitts.
Undeterred, there was a consolation goal from Sam Foston after Evie Maltby’s pass, but there was to be no late leveller for the 3rds.
Elsewhere in 3NW (N), Long Sutton ladies’ 2nd beat rock-bottom Alford ladies’ 2nd 2-1.
Becky Kierman was the hero for Sutton with both of their goals.
Saturday’s fixtures
East Women: Division 2NW – City of Peterborough 2nd v Long Sutton (2.30pm); Spalding v City of Peterborough (2pm).
Division 3NW – Long Sutton 2nd v Spalding 2nd (11.30am); Spalding 3rd v Leadenham (11am).
