Cambridge University 2nd 5
Spalding Ladies’ 1st 1
Goals: Harriet Mowbray
Spalding started the game strong with some great link-up play in midfield leading to a through ball being received by Mowbray who effortlessly put Spalding 1-0 up.
Cambridge were hungry to draw level and a series of penalty corners eventually led to them scoring a deflection to make it 1-1.
Both teams were playing their best to try to score a goal, but unfortunately Spalding conceded again.
As the first half drew to a close, a foot in front of the goal led to a penalty stroke against Spalding.
As the whistle went for half time, the penalty stroke was set up and Spalding watched in anticipation as keeper Gaby Taylor took her position on the line.
Unfortunately, the ball narrowly slipped past her to make it 3-1 to Cambridge University at half time.
Spalding regrouped at the break and kept Cambridge Uni at bay for 20 minutes.
Despite several trips to the attacking D, Spalding were unable to get an outcome.
A mistimed tackle from Sally Pilgrim led to another penalty stroke which Cambridge converted.
The home team were on the attack straight from the restart, but Spalding counter attacked with some great play down the wings with Claire Hindmarsh playing some brilliant through balls.
Despite this, the final score was 5-1 to Cambridge University.
Wisbech Town 2nd P
Spalding Ladies’ 2nd P
Spalding Ladies’ 3rd P
City of Peterborough 4th P
Spalding Men’s 1st 2
Old Loughtonians 2nd 2
Goals: Jacob Drew, George Morris
In a closely contested match, Spalding Men’s 1st played against Old Loughtonians 2nd and managed to secure a 2-2 draw.
It was a high tempo match from the start, with both teams giving their all to gain an advantage.
The game started off with Spalding pushing forward and creating a number of early chances, with some of the best play the team have delivered all season.
However, the Old Loughtonians’ defence held strong and managed to weather the early storm.
It wasn’t until the 26th minute that the deadlock was finally broken when Morris broke through into the D with a piece of wonderful individual skill and slotted the ball into the net.
The crowd erupted in joy, but it was short-lived as Old Loughtonians hit back almost immediately with a well-taken goal from a penalty corner set piece, taking the teams into the break all square.
The second half saw both teams come out with renewed energy and determination, with the game becoming more intense as time went on.
Spalding took the lead with another field goal from Drew but then found themselves all square again following an incident which was adjudged to be a foul and Old Loughtonians were awarded a penalty stroke which they converted.
The tone became more intense, and Spalding found themselves down to ten men after a couple of yellow cards, the home team battled hard as the game turned more physical, but Spalding’s credulous defence held firm.
The final few minutes of the game were nerve-wracking as both teams pushed forward, looking for a winner.
However, neither team was able to find the back of the net, and the match ended in a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
The match saw cards for both teams and the umpires had a tough job keeping control of the game as tensions ran high, but overall, it was fair and well-contested.
St Neots 1st 2
Spalding Men’s 2nd 1
Goals: Steve Rogers
Spalding Men’s 2nd travelled to St Neots with 11 players for this Division 3NW fixture looking to put in a solid performance against second-placed St Neots.
As expected, St Neots started the stronger side and went ahead after ten minutes, but Spalding didn’t let their heads go down and stayed in the game.
Spalding drew level after 20 minutes with a finish from Rogers after the goalkeeper had fumbled the clearance and the defender was slow to react to the loose ball.
It remained 1-1 as half time came and Spalding, satisfied with the first half, took the break to recover.
St Neots came out in the second half looking to score again but were thwarted by the defensive resolve of the Spalding team who worked extremely hard closing down players and space.
As the game was drawing to a close St Neots played a hopeful ball into the D which found the back of the forward’s stick and deflected into the goal.
Despite the Spalding players disputing the validity of the goal, it was given, and Spalding lost the game 2-1.
A disappointing end to what was a great game of hockey played in good spirits by both sets of players.
St Ives 5th 0
Spalding Men’s 4th 0
Spalding gained a point away at St Ives with a well-earned 0-0 draw.
Spalding Men’s 3rd P Cambridge City 5th P
