Spalding Ladies’ 1st 1
City of Peterborough 3rd 3
Goals: Erin McMurray
Spalding Ladies 1st had a strong start, putting pressure on Peterborough early.
Some great work by Lauren Spenceley and McMurray up front kept forcing mistakes from the opposition’s defence, allowing Spalding some good chances on goal.
Unfortunately, Spalding went 1-0 down after a good goal from Peterborough but were able to quickly even the scoreline again when a great ball in from Jess Ball found McMurray at the back post.
Spalding worked hard to defend the many short corners Peterborough gained and finished the half 1-1.
Spalding kept up the good play in the second half creating chances and winning some short corners but were unable to convert.
Freya Lee had a great game in goal, making some very good saves but Peterborough attacked well and managed to gain another two goals finishing the game 3-1.
Spalding Men’s 1st 1
Norwich City 2nd 2
Goals: Matt Hulme
No report submitted.
Spalding Ladies’ 2nd 5
Pelicans 2nd 0
Goals: Charlotte Maplethorpe, Karen Timby, Kelly Cooper
Despite the rain, Spalding 2nd faced off against Pelicans 2nd, dominating the game with a resounding 5-0 victory.
The game ignited in the 12th minute when Cooper showcased her prowess, slotting in an impressive opening goal, setting Spalding on a promising path.
Building on this momentum, Timby added to the lead with a beautifully executed short corner, capitalising on a brilliant 1-2 play with Cooper.
Timby continued her outstanding form, extending Spalding’s lead to 3-0 with a powerful straight strike in another short corner situation, solidifying Spalding’s control over the game.
Just before half-time, Cooper struck again, exhibiting exceptional teamwork with Honor Moore, which won them joint player of the match and secured a comfortable lead for Spalding.
The second half witnessed Maplethorpe’s incredible individual effort as she skilfully manoeuvred past defenders, adding a fifth goal to Spalding’s tally, sealing their commanding victory.
Spalding Men’s 2nd v Cambridge City 6th
Match cancelled.
Spalding Ladies’ 3rd 2
City of Peterborough 4th 1
Goals: Lucy McClements
It was very wet and miserable Saturday morning, and the home side were determined to spread a little Christmas magic to all those near.
With the management and coaching team ringing the bells loudly with instructions, Spalding started confidently.
They kept their passes simple and even though captain Charlotte Morris had rearranged her little elves, they did not disappoint.
The sparkle of Sam Foston and Jennie Bradley out wide certainly gave Peterborough something to worry about.
Midfielders Vicky Worrall and Camile Rogers ensured they were dashing all over the pitch challenging and taking the ball forwards.
The opposition were working hard and were able to hit the ball through at times putting the defensive elves under pressure but Terri Bateman certainly was a star throughout and won the ball often.
Halfway through the first half, Peterborough intelligently played the ball onto a foot in the D and Spalding stopped dead in their tracks waiting for the short corner to be awarded but instead the ball rolled across the goal line leaving them stunned.
Not to be out done, Spalding re-grouped and from a defensive hit out, through to the midfield it finally found it’s way to player of the match McClements, who slotted it across the line.
Peterborough continued to battle hard and keeper Eliza Morris had to make some very quick saves in succession and showed how she has become a real cracker in this position now.
At half time, coach Tim Maltby shared some cheer and joy with the team. His careful explanations ensured the team kept their formation and supported Holly Gleave out on the wing to make some brilliant runs and passes throughout the game.
Honor Pearson certainly embraced her position and stood out to many throughout the game with her meeting of the ball and strategic ideas.
Spalding were certainly demonstrating the grit and determination that they had at the beginning of the season and even when defending several short corners, they cleared it successfully each time.
Sweeper, Sharon Amess was an angel with her continued hunting for the ball and winning free hits and suddenly halfway through the second half, a quick string of successful passes found their way to rocking robin McClements and she secured another goal.
The game ended in a memorable 2-1 win and Christmas celebrations back at Tonic 44, who have been an incredible support all season.
The team would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and are now eager to grab some points.
Spalding Men’s 3rd 0
Wisbech Town 3rd 5
Spalding 3rd travelled away to Wisbech 3rd with both teams evenly contested throughout the first half.
Both teams were only separated by a penalty flick scored by Wisbech.
First half finished 1-0 down.
Second half continued with Wisbech dominating the game more and Spalding tried to stay defensive and press on the counter-attack, but Wisbech scored four more goals throughout the second half.
Match finished 5-0 to Wisbech.
Spalding Men’s 4th 4
City of Peterborough 7th 4
Goals: Danny Wright, David Burrell, Peter Wright
Spalding picked up a point in an entertaining game to stretch their unbeaten run to four games.
Spalding dominated the early stages without really playing well and took the lead when Peter Wright’s short corner strike found Burrell to slot home.
It was 2-0 moments later as a better short corner strike from Peter Wright saw the defender deflect the shot onto the bar and in.
Spalding eased off as the half went on and Peterborough pulled a goal back just before half time.
In the second half Spalding started slowly and found themselves 3-2 down to a double salvo from the home team.
Not to be beaten Peter Wright found Burrell with another well worked short corner for 3-3.
With eight minutes to go Danny Wright slotted home a rebound to get Spalding back in front, but they couldn’t hold on as a controversial short corner was converted.
Spalding felt they should have had a further penalty corner but this wasn’t awarded and the entertaining game finished all square.
