Long Sutton Hockey Club are triumphant in their derby with Spalding

A late goal secured a derby victory for Long Sutton in their East League clash with Spalding at Glen Park on Saturday.

The Greens grabbed the honours after a 4-3 success to secure their second league win of the campaign.

Spalding began with the lion's share of the possession and they struck first from a penalty corner which was converted by Stuart Cunnington.

Sutton slowly grew into the game and a pass down the line from Nick Ellis found Josh Baker who entered the circle and smashed home on his backhand to equalise.

Eager to regain the lead, Spalding poured players forward, creating opportunities in the box.

From a well-timed routine outside the 25, a ball was guided into the path of Steve Rodgers, who delicately nestled it into the top corner of the net.

However, the goal was soon chalked off, as the whistle had mistakenly blown with the ball thought to be inside the 25.

Frustrated by the error, Spalding's morale dipped and they were again caught out by an aerial pass from Sutton.

McKenzie East found Baker who rounded two defenders and the keeper to slot home into an open net to give Sutton the lead at half-time.

The second half began with Spalding trailing, though some well-chosen words during the interval reignited their focus.

They started strong, controlling much of the possession and eventually earning a penalty corner. Spalding capitalised on a well-rehearsed routine with Dan Azzopardi deflecting the ball into the back of the net.

Sutton responded by pressing Spalding, forcing the home side into a defensive shape.

Despite some outstanding saves by Oscar Haunch, a lapse in play allowed Sutton to score once again through Dan Batten who reacted first to a rebound from a Baker backhand shot.

Tensions rose, and Spalding were reduced to 10 men, following a contentious 10-minute yellow card on a first offence.

Undeterred, Spalding pushed forward and were rewarded as Rodgers finally found the net, pouncing on a loose ball in the five-yard box.

Fatigue began to set in for Spalding and it was Sutton's turn to attack late on and, after being taken down from behind in the circle, Baker won a penalty stroke. Jim Harrison stepped up to slot home and regain the lead for Sutton.

With adrenaline running high, Spalding threw everything at the visitors in the closing moments, creating some very close chances that were ultimately thwarted.

Sutton defended resolutely in the dying moments, despite having less players on the pitch, for a victory which moves them five points clear of both their derby rivals Spalding and Wisbech Town to solidify ninth place in the table.

The spoils were shared in the second team contest between the two clubs at the Peele Community College.

Spalding started strongly by winning the ball multiple times and penning Sutton in for the first 10 minutes.

But Sutton brought themselves into the game by claiming multiple free hits around the D.

Spalding managed to hold out as the half ended goalless despite Tim Maltby getting a 10 minute yellow card for back chat to the umpire.

Spalding came back fighting in the second half and did a good job of keeping Sutton in their half.

With 20 minutes to go, Tom Pilgrim picked up the ball at the top of the D and drove past players towards the baseline and slotted it to Maltby who spun and placed it between the goalkeeper's feet.

In a quick response, Sutton were awarded a short corner and they played a slip at the top of the D and slotted it into the near post to bring things level at 1-1.

With both teams looking for a winner, there were clashes between players highlighting what this type of match meant to both teams.

However, neither were able to beat the keepers before the final whistle blew keeping the teams on equal points in the league after a draw.