Spalding United Women produced a composed and clinical performance to secure a 3-1 victory over Ely City and lift the League Cup following a competitive encounter.
They made the perfect start, taking the lead in the fourth minute when a cross from Ivy Lane was met by captain Phoebe Richards-Reeves, who finished confidently to put Spalding ahead.
The first half was closely contested, with both sides showing attacking intent.
Tara Parker was influential in midfield, while Constance Onyinah looked lively going forward.
Ely City created opportunities but found Spalding well organised defensively.
Spalding doubled their advantage just before the break.
Strong play on the right from Parker led to a cross into the box, which was eventually met by Molli McCormack, who volleyed home to give her side a 2-0 lead at half-time.
After the restart, Spalding continued to create chances and extended their lead in the 68th minute.
Grace Hill was brought down in the penalty area, and Richards-Reeves stepped up to calmly convert from the spot for her second goal of the match.
Ely City responded with a goal during a spell of pressure in the latter stages, reducing the deficit to 3-1, but Spalding remained in control and managed the closing minutes effectively to see out the victory.
Richards-Reeves was named player of the match following an outstanding performance, scoring twice and leading the attack throughout.
- The team continued their impressive league form with a 3-1 away victory over Godmanchester Rovers to extend their unbeaten run in Women’s Division One.
The win carried extra significance, with Godmanchester the only side to have beaten The Tulips in the league this season.
This time, Spalding produced a composed and confident performance to take all three points.
Spalding started brightly and controlled much of the opening play.
Richards-Reeves influenced proceedings from midfield, while Parker’s work rate and movement caused consistent problems for the home side.
Defensively, the Tulips were strong throughout, with the back four well organised and goalkeeper Vickie Foster rarely troubled as Godmanchester were largely restricted to efforts from distance.
Spalding opened the scoring on 36 minutes through Onyinah, who finished well after being played through on goal.
Onyinah struck again just two minutes later to double the lead and give the visitors control heading into half-time.
The pressure continued after the break and Spalding’s third goal arrived in the 54th minute when Parker turned smartly and fired home.
Godmanchester were able to pull one back shortly afterwards, but Spalding remained composed and saw the game out comfortably.
The result keeps Spalding United Women top of the table and unbeaten in league action since January.
Lily Forsyth was named player of the match after another consistent performance, while the strength of the back four played a key role in securing the victory.
Spalding United Women are next in league action at home to Leverington Sports on April 26, before turning their attention to the County Cup Final against Lincoln United FC Women’s First Team on May 1 at the Jakemans Community Stadium, Boston.
Pictures by Keira Thurston.
