Spalding 1st are back on top of East Men’s Hockey League Premier B Division after hammering title rivals CoP 2nd 6-2 at Glen Park on Saturday.
Top at the start of play, the city side bossed the early exchanges – but Spalding went in 1-0 up at half time thanks to a a short corner by Stuart Cunnington.
CoP levelled soon after the interval when Manny Patel produced a fine finish from what seemed an impossible angle, only for Glenn Richardson (2) and Rob Dalton to fire the hosts into an emphatic 4-1 lead.
Paul Hillsdon flicked home CoP’s second to set up a tight finish, only for a sensational Cunnington finish to put the game to bed.
Not done there, goal machine Cunnington rounded off his hat-trick to send Spalding above their opponents on goal difference.
In Division One, Long Sutton picked up a 1-1 draw against struggling Norwich 2nd.
Ben Shore’s first-half effort had put Sutton ahead at the break, but the visitors levelled from a short corner early in the second period.
Sutton spent much of the half camped in Norwich territory, but it stayed all square at the Peele Leisure Centre.
In Division 3NW, Spalding 2nd picked up only their second league success of the season by beating South Holland rivals Long Sutton 2nd 4-2.
Keith Stennett fired Spalding ahead, only for Gary Hales to haul Sutton level.
Josh Baker then put Sutton 2-1 to the good with a neat turn and finish, but Darren Grooby restored parity when he tucked home a rebound.
Two quick goals from Pete Wright and Joe Higgins then ensured the points went to Spalding.
In the same division, Spalding 3rd earned a 3-3 draw at CoP 4th. Steve Rogers bagged to put Spalding infront, but the city side scored goals either side of half time to move ahead.
However, Ed Sly slotted home a leveller and Stuart Ruskin put Spalding 3-2 up before they shipped a late leveller.
Down in Division 6NW (N), there looks to be no stopping Spalding 4th.
They made it eight wins from as many games by putting Bourne Deeping 5th to the sword 4-0.
Shaun Dewing’s strike had them 1-0 up at the break, with Jacob Baker and James Mayhew making it three early in the second half.
Max Bland capped an impressive all-round team display with the fourth late on.
Spalding 5th, meanwhile, went down 1-0 against second-placed Leadenham 2nd. It was a fine effort from a team packed full of youngsters.
In the same division, Harry Bragington’s strike was enough to give Long Sutton 4th a 1-0 win away at Bourne Deeping 6th.
- Spalding Poachers 1st slipped to their fourth East Women’s Hockey League Division 2NW loss of the season on Saturday as CoP 2nd edged them out 1-0.
In the same division, Long Sutton ladies’ 1st drew 3-3 with leaders Alford thanks to goals from Leanne Woodhead (2) and Lyn Tancred.
Spalding Poachers 2nd were 2-0 winners at CoP 3rd in Division 3NW thanks to goals from Charlotte Morris and Ellie Pybus.
Down in Division 4NW (N), Rachel Perkins (2) and Laura Panton fired Spalding Poachers 3rd to a 3-0 victory over CoP 4th.
