Spalding Hockey Club round-up

Two second half goals condemned Spalding Ladies to defeat in their East League Division 2NW match with City of Peterborough 3rds on Saturday.

The two sides had each netted in the opening half of the match at Glen Park before Peterborough struck twice after the break to secure a 3-1 win.

Spalding had made a strong start in their final fixture before the festive break, putting early pressure on Peterborough.

Some great work by Lauren Spenceley and Erin McMurray up front kept forcing mistakes from the opposition's defence, allowing Spalding some good chances on goal.

Unfortunately, Spalding went 1-0 down after a good goal from Peterborough but were able to quickly even the scoreline again when a great ball in from Jess Ball found McMurray at the back post.

Spalding worked hard to defend the many short corners Peterborough gained and finished the half on level terms.

The Maroons kept up the good play in the second half, creating chances and winning some short corners but were unable to convert.

Freya Lee had a great game in goal, making some very good saves, but Peterborough attacked well and managed to gain another two goals to secure the win.

Spalding Ladies 2nds produced a dominant display in their resounding five-goal victory over Pelicans.

The game ignited in the 12th minute when Kelly Cooper showcased her prowess, slotting in an impressive opening goal, and setting Spalding on a promising path.

Building on this momentum, Karen Timby added to the lead with a beautifully executed short corner, capitalising on a brilliant one-two play with Cooper.

Timby continued her outstanding form, extending Spalding's lead to 3-0 with a powerful straight strike in another short corner situation, solidifying Spalding's control over the game.

Just before half-time, Cooper struck again, exhibiting exceptional teamwork with Honor Moore, which won them joint player of the match and secured a comfortable lead for Spalding.

The second half witnessed Charlotte Maplethorpe's incredible individual effort as she skillfully maneuvered past defenders, adding a fifth goal to Spalding's tally, and sealing their commanding victory.

Two goals from Lucy McClements secured a 2-1 victory for Spalding Ladies 3rds in their match with City of Peterborough 4ths.

Spalding started confidently and they kept their passes simple while the sparkle of Sam Foston and Jennie Bradley out wide certainly gave Peterborough something to worry about.

Midfielders Vicky Worrall and Camile Rogers ensured they were dashing all over the pitch, challenging and taking the ball forwards.

The opposition, who were working hard, were able to hit the ball through at times and put the defence under pressure but Terri Bateman was a star throughout and won the ball often.

Midway through the first half, Peterborough intelligently played the ball onto a foot in the D and Spalding stopped dead in their tracks waiting for the short corner to be awarded but instead it rolled across the goalline leaving them stunned.

Not to be outdone, Spalding re-grouped and, from a defensive hit out through to the midfield, it finally found its way to McClements who slotted it across the line.

Peterborough continued to battle hard and keeper Eliza Morris had to make quick saves in succession.

After the break, Spalding were certainly demonstrating the grit and determination that they had at the beginning of the season and, even when defending several short corners, they cleared it successfully each time.

A quick string of successful passes then found their way to McClements and she secured another goal to put Spalding ahead.

McClements did have the chance to complete her hat-trick when a stroke was awarded but it was not to be as the game ended in a 2-1 win.

Spalding 4ths picked up a point in an entertaining game to stretch their unbeaten run to four matches after a 4-4 draw with City of Peterborough 7ths.

The Maroons dominated the early stages without really playing well and took the lead when Peter Wright's short corner strike found Dave Burrell to slot home.

It was 2-0 moments later as a better short corner strike from Wright saw the defender deflect the shot onto the bar and in.

Spalding eased off as the half went on and Peterborough pulled a goal back just before half time.

In the second half, Spalding started slowly and found themselves 3-2 down to a double salvo from the home team. Not to be beaten, Wright found Burrell with another well worked short corner for 3-3.

With eight minutes to go, Danny Wright slotted home a rebound to get Spalding back in front, but they couldn't hold on as a controversial short corner was converted.

Spalding felt they should have had a further penalty corner but this wasn't awarded and the entertaining game finished all square.

The first team went down to a 2-1 defeat against Norwich City 2nds with Matt Hulme hitting their goal.

The second team match with Cambridge City 6ths was postponed while the thirds were beaten 5-0 by their Wisbech counterparts.

An evenly contested first half saw the teams only separated by a penalty flick scored by Wisbech.

The second half continued with Wisbech dominating more as Spalding tried to stay defensive and press on the counter-attack, but their opponents scored four goals throughout the second half.