Spalding Poachers 1st finally secured their first win of the East Women’s League Division 1N season on Saturday with a 3-2 win over Bedford ladies’ 2nd.
Having gone nine league matches without a win, Spalding started with intent and went ahead when Karen Timby smashed home a short corner after just three minutes.
Jacqui Hunter then found the net after 16 minutes, before Timby’s second moments late put the Poachers in command at 3-0.
Bedford hit back with goals either side of the break, but Spalding held firm to register a huge victory.
They couldn’t take that form into Sunday, however, with the Poachers seen off 2-1 by Wisbech ladies’ 1st in the second round of the England Hockey Women’s Trophy. Di Bevan got the only Spalding goal in that one.
Back in the East Women’s League, Long Sutton ladies’ 1st romped to a 4-1 success over Newmarket 1st in Division 2NW. Leanne Woodhead and Lisa Baker struck to fire them 2-0 up, before Lyn Tancred’s double wrapped up the points.
Also 4-1 winners were Long Sutton ladies’ 2nd in Division 4NW (N).
Emmie Gittins, Jenny Gittins and Jeorgia Carr all bagged as Spilsby ladies’ 1st were put to the sword.
In Division 3NW, Spalding Poachers 3rd were thumped 5-0 by Bourne/Deeping ladies’ 1st, while Spalding Poachers 2nd saw their clash with Leadenham ladies’ 2nd abandoned due to a frozen pitch.
- Long Sutton 1st earned a morale-boosting 3-1 win over Harleston Magpies 2nd in East Men’s Hockey League Premier B on Saturday to do their survival hopes the power of good.
With only 12 players in the squad and no one available to coach from the sideline, it was always going to be a tough day for Sutton.
But they came together superbly and grabbed a fine win thanks to a fine hat-trick from Josh Fyson.
The win moves Sutton three points clear of the bottom two.
At the other end of the table, Spalding 1st were handed a 2-0 reverse at City of Peterborough 2nd.
Spalding travelled without a number of key players and struggled from the off, as they slipped to only a third loss of the season.
Keeper Josh Olphin who was in fine form for Spalding and earned the man of the match award.
Down in Division 3NW, Long Sutton 2nd returned to winning ways with an impressive 5-1 success over Cambridge City Veterans.
Ben Shore helped himself to a hat-trick and Gary Hales added a double in what was a top team display.
Meanwhile, Spalding now boast the top two in Division 3NW.
Spalding 3rd stay top after a 2-2 draw against Cambs South 2nd. Chris McKenna had put them ahead, but they required a leveller from Tim Maltby to secure a point.
In-form Spalding 2nd are now level on points with them after a 4-0 victory at St Ives 3rd. James Stone (2), Sam Sly and Pete Wright got the goals.
Elsewhere, Spalding 4th were handed an 8-1 reverse by Cambs South 3rd in Division 5NW. Deane Baker got the consolation goal.
Down in Division 6NW (N), Spalding 5th are third after battering Bourne/Deeping 6th 9-0. Stuart Perkins hit a famous five goals on his return to action after a four-year break, with Cameron Ibrahim, Kieran Scholes, Darren Willson and Ady Bettinson contributing the rest.
