Spalding Poachers 1st slipped to a hefty 5-1 defeat against Alford 1st in East Women’s Hockey League Division 2NW on Saturday.
In what was their first game of 2018, the Poachers travelled to Skegness knowing they’d be in for a tough test.
A fortunate goal came against the run of play and left Spalding behind, before a rocket from Ellie Holland got them back in the game.
With Spalding guilty of spurning the chances that came their way, it was Alford who capitalised and led 3-1 at half time.
Amy Wells worked hard throughout the game to regularly regain possession for the away team, who conceded two more goals in their bid to get something from the game.
In the same division, a goal from Lyn Tancred earned Long Sutton ladies’ 1st a 1-1 draw against Pelicans 1st at the Peele Leisure Centre.
Lauren Cooper was the star player for Sutton, who remain fourth in the table – just three points off second place.
South Holland rivals Spalding are eight points behind Sutton in sixth position.
In Division 3NW, Spalding Poachers 2nd picked up one point from two games over the weekend.
On Saturday, they went down 2-1 against table-toppers Cambs City 4th at Peter Paine Sports Centre.
In what was one of their best performances to date, Spalding dominated the game from the off and deservedly went ahead through Lauren Spenceley.
In the second half Spalding could – and should – have scored more as the opportunities were constantly presenting themselves.
However, Cambridge began to up the pace and started to put pressure on Spalding defence. Their efforts were rewarded when they did eventually equalise 20 minutes from the end.
They then secured their second goal in the last ten minutes to complete the comeback.
Sunday then saw the Poachers battle out a respectable 0-0 draw at high-flying Bury St Edmunds 2nd.
Elsewhere, Spalding Poachers 3rd were handed a 1-0 home derby defeat by promotion-chasing City Of Peterborough 4th in Division 4NW (N).
In the same division, Long Sutton ladies’ 2nd enjoyed a 2-0 victory over Louth 2nd.
Their goals came from Lynne Braginton and Katie Collingwood Smith at the Peele Leisure Centre.
- Long Sutton ladies’ 1st also enjoyed a 3-0 victory at rivals Wisbech Town 2nd in their final league game of 2017.
A double from Tancred was the catalyst for that derby victory, while Connie Gittins also notched.
