A clinical display from Spalding Poachers 1st saw them defeat in-form South Holland rivals Long Sutton 1st in East Women’s Hockey League Division 2NW on Saturday.
Kelly Slator (2) and Lottie Boreham grabbed the goals for Spalding at the Peele Leisure Centre to end Sutton’s six-game unbeaten streak.
Spalding got first reward for their early endeavours with Sutton conceding a short corner, to be followed by a second soon after. The second attempt was converted by Boreham, who saw her sharp strike deflect into the roof of the goal off a Sutton stick.
Sutton hit back and Leanne Woodhead went close with a great strike before they earned a penalty flick. Tania White executing the spot hit perfectly to draw Sutton level at 1-1.
Woodhead’s powerful effort was then met by a stunning double save from Spalding keeper Donna Chester-O’Neill as the sides went in on level terms at the break.
Although Sutton were on top in the early stages of the second half, Poachers always looked dangerous on the break.
It was from once such move that Spalding won a short corner for Slator to slot home their second from close range.
A second Sutton equaliser was always on the cards, though, and it soon came through Lisa Baker. She followed in a short corner attempt and fired home to level the scores again.
However, there was a sting in the tail for Sutton as they conceded another short corner and Slator clinically buried her second – which proved to be the winner.
The result leaves Sutton fourth, four points off second place. Spalding are now just two points behind them in sixth place.
In Division 3NW, Spalding Poachers 2nd produced an impressive performance to defeat high-flying Pelicans 2-1 in Glen Park.
Young Ellie Holland, who is going from strength to strength, scored Spalding’s first goal of the game and her seventh so far of the season.
Poachers continued to push forward and their second goal was hammered home by Charlotte Morris to put them in command.
Pelicans managed to get a goal back late in the second half as Spalding seemed to be running on empty, but they hed on to secure a super victory.
Down in Division 4NW (N), Spalding Poachers 3rd travelled to the seaside for a late start on Saturday and put in a brave performance against an experienced Skegness side.
Laura Panton gave Spalding an early lead but goals either side of half time gave Skegness 1st a 2-1 success.
