Spalding Hockey Club round-up

A determined display helped secure a hard-fought victory for Spalding as they beat Cambridge University 2nds in Division 1N of the East League on Saturday.

The 3-2 success was the Maroons' second league win of the season and keeps their hopes alive of avoiding a bottom two finish.

The conditions at Surfleet were perfect for an intense match-up and, from the first whistle, Spalding set the tempo.

They started brightly, taking an early lead through Dan Azzopardi, who finished off a well-placed pass at the back post with a tidy reverse tap-in.

The early momentum, however, was quickly checked as Cambridge responded immediately with a goal of their own.

Despite the setback, Spalding maintained their composure, showing high energy levels throughout the half.

Captain Sam Howitt led the defensive effort with crucial tackles, setting the tone for a committed team effort.

As the first half drew to a close, Spalding earned a penalty corner and up stepped Stu Cunnington who dispatched a thunderous strike for a 2-1 interval lead.

The second half saw Spalding continue to apply pressure, which paid off when Darren Grooby extended the lead with a pinpoint reverse finish into the corner.

Cambridge came back into the game and two crucial saves from Oscar Haunch and one from point blank range kept the lead.

With the game slipping away, Cambridge threw everything forward, enjoying a sustained 10-minute spell of pressure.

Eventually, they found a way through, closing the gap to 3-2m but Spalding's defensive resilience held firm, with Howitt an unwavering presence at the back.

In a moment that epitomised Spalding’s commitment, Ethan Pearson fearlessly charged down a last-minute penalty corner, leaving him in agony.

At the final whistle, Spalding's players were left on the ground, having poured their minds, bodies, and souls into a well-earned win.

Spalding 2nds went down to a 5-3 away defeat at Cambridge City 4ths in Division 3NW despite goals from Matt Pottle, Tim Maltby and Harry Walsh.

Spalding 3rds were disappointed not to take all three points after a 2-2 draw at Wisbech 3rds in Division 4NW.

The Maroons started brightly and dominated possession in the early exchanges with the home team struggling to keep up with the pace.

This resulted in a deserved goal from Simon Goode in a scrappy short corner after two initial saves by the keeper.

Spalding went in deservedly ahead at the break but Wisbech equalised through a short corner against the run of play.

Goode then scored from a well worked short corner but Wisbech again levelled to tie a game which was played in good spirits with both teams playing good hockey.

Spalding 4ths put in a determined performance against their St Ives counterparts but fell to a 2-0 defeat in a competitive match.

Despite creating chances and defending well for long periods, Spalding struggled to convert their opportunities.

The game started with high energy as Spalding pressed forward and moved the ball well.

Andy Barlow led the midfield with tireless work, distributing the ball effectively, while in defence James Giles, Kevin Sawyer, Alex Myland and man of the match Ed Sly stood strong.

Sly had an excellent game, with many successes working in defence and driving the ball forward.

Both teams fought hard to break the deadlock, but neither side could find the goal, leaving the game level at half-time.

In the second half, Spalding continued to push forward.

Dylan Hind and Rafa Read linked up well with great passing and attacking runs while Brian Read provided width and pace to keep the pressure on St Ives.

Jake Sawyer showed real progress, demonstrating excellent ball control and composure. In goal, Steve Thurlbourne made some crucial saves including a penalty to keep Spalding in the game.

Spalding earned several short corners but struggled to make them count.

Meanwhile, St Ives capitalised on their opportunities, scoring twice from penalty corners once midway through the half and again late on.

Despite Spalding's efforts to respond, they were unable to find a goal before the final whistle.

Although the result didn't go their way, Spalding can take positives from a strong defensive display and great progress from the youngsters in the team as they look ahead to their next match.