Two Stuart Cunnington goals helped Spalding 1st make it an impressive four wins from as many games in East Men’s Hockey League Premier B on Saturday.
Spalding are one of three teams with a perfect 12 points after four games following their 2-1 win over Wisbech Town 1st at Glen Park.
Also in Premier B, Long Sutton 1st are still looking for their maiden points of the campaign after suffering a fourth successive loss.
This week they were beaten 2-0 at Ipswich ES 1st, as they again failed to transfer solid midfield play and good intentions into points.
Both goals came in the first half, with Sutton unable to score after the break despite creating a host of chances.
Jamie Featherstone and Josh Fyson saw their work rate and skill go unrewarded and striker Danny Sisson tried in vain to make the breakthrough.
In Division 3NW, Long Sutton 2nd were handed a 10-1 home humbling by leaders Cambs South 1st. Ben Shore put Sutton ahead early on, but they were no match for the table-toppers.
Down a level in Division 4NW, Spalding 2nd are still going great guns as they beat Cambs South 2nd 2-1 to make it three wins from four.
Although they fell behind, Glenn Perkins rifled home a deflected leveller before tapping home his second – the winner – following a switch back to midfield.
Captain Rob Callaby pulled off a number of top saves in the second half to clinch it.
Going even better in 4NW are leaders Spalding 3rd, who extended their winning run to four with a 7-1 success over City of Peterborough 7th.
Chris McKenna (3), Steve Rogers (2), Tom Shinkins and Harry Bettinson bagged the goals for the rampant table-toppers.
Elsewhere, Long Sutton 3rd were handed a 5-0 beating by St Ives 4th in Division 5NW.
Sutton travelled with a largely depleted squad and put in a tremendous team effort despite the scoreline.
Also missing a host of players were Spalding 4th in 5NW, as they went down 2-0 against Cambs South 4th.
Still, it was a gutsy, determined performance from Spalding that, despite all their efforts, didn’t give them even a share of the spoils.
They had their chances, with Andy Barlow having a short corner cleared off the line by a defender, Alan Charevicius setting off on a wonderful run and beating five defenders before his vicious effort was superbly saved by the home keeper and Ady Bettison sending a cross shot inches wide of the far right hand upright.
Meanwhile in Division 6NW (N), Spalding 5th romped to a 7-0 success over Alford 2nd.
2-0 up at the break with Jack Martin and James Stone scoring, Spalding never looked like they would lose the game. Matt Wingate, Jacob Baker, Stone again, Kieran Ibrahim and the goal of the game from Alex Cunnington completed the scoring.
In the same division, Long Sutton 4th picked up a 3-1 win at Grantham 1st thanks to goals from Matt Portass, Luke Lovegrove and Simon Thompson.
- Spalding Poachers 1st were soundly beaten 3-0 by Lindum Ladies’ 1st in East Women’s League Division 1N despite super performance from skipper and keeper Bec Howitt. The leading ladies’ team in South Holland are still without a win this season.
In Division 2NW, Long Sutton ladies’ 1st finally registered their first win as they beatCambridge City 3rd 4-0. Two goals from player-of-the-match Lyn Tancred and strikes from Tania White and Leanne Woodhead got the job done.
Down in 3NW, Spalding Poachers were seen off 2-1 by Leadenham Ladies’ 2nd.
Player-of-the match Akayla Newton did have the Spalding girls level at one stage.
- Spalding 2nd lost 4-3 against higher-graded Cambs Uni 2nd in the England Hockey Men’s 2nd XI Cup.
Rob Dalton, Sam Sly and Glenn Richardson grabbed the goals in what was a wonderful match.
