Spalding Ladies’ 1st 1 Wisbech Ladies’ 1st 2
Spalding started strong but Wisbech scored first, capitalising on messy play in the D and scoring with a flick.
Spalding responded well with a structured, well-worked goal starting with a run from Lauren Spencely, passing to Charlotte Maplethorpe and then to Ellie Holland, who finished with a clean reverse.
The first half ended 1–1.
The second half saw Spalding create plenty of chances, but the defence, led superbly by Karen Timby, Honor Pearson and Lauren Harvey, stood strong and made it difficult for them to break through.
Spalding also had some great opportunities, including one agonising moment where the ball almost crossed the line before being cleared.
Wisbech eventually converted their pressure into another goal, leaving the final score 2-1 in their favour.
Spalding Ladies’ 2nd 1 Wisbech Ladies’ 2nd 3
Spalding started the game with confidence, taking early control of possession and setting a strong tempo.
The midfield, led by Camille Rogers, was instrumental in driving play forward and creating numerous chances.
Leanne Isaac-Pick, playing as sweeper, showed outstanding composure and control, distributing the ball superbly to break down Wisbech’s attacks.
Their persistence paid off in the 28th minute, when Rogers delivered a perfectly timed pass to Zoe Moore, who struck powerfully from the top of the D.
Her shot was met by Kate Amess, who calmly tapped the ball in to give Spalding a well-deserved lead.
Despite their dominance, Spalding were unfortunate when Wisbech equalised.
After the break, Wisbech came out strong and began to press higher up the pitch.
A tiring Spalding side fought hard to hold them off, but Wisbech’s sustained pressure eventually led to two more goals.
The match ended 3-1 to Wisbech.
Spalding Ladies’ 3rd 3 Wisbech Ladies’ 4th 0
Spalding 3rd put in a commanding performance to claim a 3-0 victory over Wisbech 4th.
The first half was evenly contested, with both sides working hard to break the deadlock.
Spalding’s defence held firm, marshalled by Grace Hodgett, while the midfield battled to gain control.
The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute from a well-worked penalty corner.
A slip left from Sam Foston at the top of the D found Kelly Tizzano, who slotted the ball home.
Spalding doubled their advantage in the 56th minute, when Hodgett, playing her second game of the day at centre-back, delivered a powerful slap pass to Foston.
Picking up the ball, Foston weaved through the defence before finishing with precision into the bottom left corner.
The result was sealed in the 67th minute, with Jess Pilgrim driving down the right wing and firing a cross into the D.
Foston was again in the right place, getting the deftest of touches to deflect the ball past the keeper.
Action from the match as pictured by Nigel Cookson below.
Spalding Men’s 1st 4 Bourne Deeping Men’s 1st 3
On a blustery afternoon in Glinton, Spalding Men’s 1st dug deep to claim a deserved 4-3 win over Bourne Deeping Men’s 1st in a gritty, hard-fought local derby.
Despite the wind making conditions challenging, Spalding started the stronger of the two sides.
The opening goal came through Jacob Baker, who drove forward with intent before finishing confidently to put Spalding ahead.
Bourne Deeping levelled via a penalty corner, but Spalding responded. Will Baker tucked a composed finish into the bottom left corner, sending Spalding into the break with a 2-1 lead.
After half-time, Bourne Deeping found an equaliser again from a penalty corner rebound, but Spalding raised their level.
Harry Walsh restored the lead with a neat finish, and it wasn’t long before Jacob Baker added his second giving Spalding breathing room at 4-2.
However, Bourne Deeping hit back immediately, making it 4-3.
With just moments remaining, Bourne Deeping won a final penalty corner, but Spalding’s defence held strong.
Spalding Men’s 2nd 1 Long Sutton Men’s 2nd 2
Spalding Men’s 2nd welcomed Long Sutton 2nd to Glen Park for a fiercely contested local derby that went to the wire.
Long Sutton struck first, punishing Spalding before they had settled but the hosts hit back instantly.
A slick passing move ended with Harry Vickers firing a thunderous strike from inside the D, levelling the game.
The rest of the match was a tight, end-to-end battle.
Spalding’s goalkeeper was outstanding, producing a string of spectacular saves, including one with his head, to keep Spalding in the game.
As the clock ticked, it looked as though Spalding’s determination would secure a well-earned draw. But with two minutes left, Long Sutton won a short corner.
The keeper saved brilliantly from the initial strike, but the rebound fell to the attackers, who managed to slot home a last-minute winner.
Action from the match as pictured by Nigel Cookson below.
Spalding Men’s 3rd 0 St Neots Men’s 2nd 6
Spalding Men’s 3rd endured a challenging afternoon against a well-drilled St Neots Men’s 2nd side, ultimately falling to a 6-0 defeat.
St Neots started quickly, finding the back of the net just two minutes into the match.
Spalding sought to regroup, but St Neots’ attacking pressure proved relentless, leading to a second goal soon after.
The third blow came at a critical time, conceded just before the half-time whistle.
The second half was defined by a heroic effort from the Spalding defensive unit.
The team held the 3-0 scoreline for the majority of the second half, showcasing remarkable tenacity and structure against continuous pressure. This period of defensive mastery was a credit to the entire back line and midfield effort.
As the match wore on, the physical demands began to tell. St Neots capitalised in the final minutes, scoring a quick succession of goals to inflate the scoreline.
Spalding Men’s 4th 3 Long Sutton Men’s 3rd 2
Spalding 4th moved off the foot of East League Division 5NW with a superb home 3-2 win against Long Sutton 3rd.
The hosts welcomed Isaac Davison who was now eligible to play in the league. Despite playing in a far faster paced game and in an unfamiliar role, the 13-year-old had an excellent debut.
Spalding didn’t get off to the best start with Long Sutton’s pace and quick passing causing problems, but as time progressed, the home side grew into the game as they got used to the pace.
They took the lead when Andy Barlow deflected home a Dave Burrell shot from a short corner.
This galvanised Long Sutton into action, and they equalised.
The next goal was to the away side and Spalding can only hold their collective hands up as they allowed time and space for a Sutton forward to drive into the D and shoot past Steve Thurlbourne.
The second half was a different matter and was easily one of the best halves Spalding have produced in a long time.
They chipped away at Long Sutton and held their nerve to grind out a result.
The play was swifter, passing was accurate and movement off the ball was excellent, and this play led to the equaliser.
Barlow started the move from the centre of midfield finding veteran Ed Sly. He then worked with Alex Myland on the right-hand side of midfield before the ball found its way to Burrell. His perfect ball found the ever improving Matthew Dorsett who cleverly deflected the ball past the goalkeeper to equalise.
Jake Sawyer scored the match winning goal, and it was just rewards for an excellent display.
He was left in acres of space at the back and was found with the perfect pass.
This left him with a one-on-one with the Sutton custodian and calmly picked his spot and Spalding had three points in the bag at that stage.
Sutton pushed forward but couldn’t get past Spalding.
