Spalding Hockey Club round-up
Laura Graves and Charlotte Maplethorpe both hit hat-tricks as Spalding Ladies maintained their strong position at the top of the East League Division 2NW table on Saturday.
The duo each bagged trebles as the Maroons ran out 7-0 away winners at Cambridge South 2nds to keep their four-point advantage over second-placed St Ives.
Spalding took possession from the start and were determined to gain early control of the contest.
In quick succession, Graves received a powerful pass from Jess Ball and used her mesmerising control and movement to open the scoring.
Just a few moments later, a beautiful top corner strike was carried out by Graves, however, this goal was disallowed due to it being the first shot on a short corner.
As the first half continued, Cambridge kept fighting and pushed for an equaliser, but outstanding defending from Tabitha Dunnett, Stephanie Wilson and man of the match Karen Timby enabled Spalding to maintain their lead.
After crucial saves from goalkeeper Freya Lee, a counter attack from Spalding led to a passing sequence between Charlotte Maplethorpe, Honor Moore and finally Graves, who was able to extend the lead and finish the half 2-0 up.
Spalding headed into the second half feeling confident and capable of increasing their lead.
Just minutes into the half, Spalding were awarded a short corner which was quickly converted by Maplethorpe after a slip to the left post.
A fourth goal was later slotted home by Maplethorpe and another just minutes later, allowing her to bask in the glory of a hat-trick.
Cambridge kept pressing but Spalding’s sharp, accurate passing allowed them to breakaway once more for Ball to carry out a shot on goal, which was accidentally tapped over the line by Moore.
Finally, Graves rounded off the scoring with her third and final goal for Spalding's 14th league success of the season.
Spalding 2nds picked up just their second point of the season after sharing the spoils in a 1-1 away draw at City of Peterborough 3rds.
Peterborough took the lead early in the first half from a short corner and fumble, with the ball being slipped past keeper Char Burt.
With the pressure mounting, Spalding showed great character and determination to respond.
Burt made some cracking saves throughout the game as well as great defensive skills from Sam Maltby and Pippa Bembridge.
In the second half, Spalding produced a piece of attacking brilliance that showcased the team's excellent communication and tactical awareness.
A short corner was awarded and quickly taken by Amy Naylor, who used the short pass to slip it to Grace who unleashed a powerful strike toward goal.
The ball appeared to be heading off the sideline but just before it reached her player of the match Erin McMurray managed to get a slight deflection, wrong-footing the keeper and sending it into the back of the goal.
In the final stages of the game, both sides pushed for a winner but neither could find the decisive breakthrough and the match ended with the honours even.
Spalding 3rds were unable to leapfrog their Wisbech counterparts in the Division 4NW standings after a five-goal reversal in Fenland on Saturday.
The match started out with a lot of energy from both teams.
Spalding had some dazzling plays up the wings from Jessica Pilgrim and Eloise Doughty with play received from Poppy Hooker and Kiki at the back.
Chloe P controlled the centre and made some amazing passes to Lucy McClements and Khloe Brewster up front.
This led to some chances in the opposition's D but the Wisbech goalkeeper made some good saves and unfortunately the opposition managed to score three goals in the first half.
Spalding came out for the second half with renewed energy and goalkeeper Eliza Morris made some miraculous saves.
Kelly Tizzano managed to play the ball around the opposition and became a key player in getting it into the D.
There were some good chances and near goals as Spalding tried desperately to maintain their ground but two more goals slipped in from the opposition.
Spalding showed good spirit in the last 10 minutes of the match and managed to keep the score to 5-0.
