Spalding Hockey Club round-up
Spalding Ladies' first team continued their impressive form with a resounding 5-1 victory over Cambridge South 3rds on Saturday.
The Maroons showcased a well-rounded performance both in attack and defence.
The game began with Spalding asserting control early on, thanks to some brilliant outletting from the defence.
The backline, led by steady performances from Evie Maltby, Tabitha Dunnet and Lauren Harvey who linked seamlessly with the midfield, created numerous attacking opportunities throughout the game.
Honor Moore opened the scoring in the first half, after receiving a perfectly timed pass from Charlotte Maplethorpe.
Moore calmly carried the ball into the D, slotting it through the keeper's legs for a composed finish.
Despite Cambridge South attempting to push back, Spalding's defensive organisation held strong with the team going into half-time 1-0 ahead.
The second half saw Spalding’s dominance continue.
Georgina Maplethorpe was outstanding, running from her left-back position, taking on multiple defenders, and finishing with precision along the baseline to make it 2-0.
Spalding's midfield continued to link up with the forwards, creating several more chances.
Charlotte Maplethorpe capitalised on one of these, calmly slotting the ball into the goal to extend the lead.
Despite Cambridge South managing to sneak one past Freya Lee, who had been exceptional between the posts with several crucial saves, Spalding responded immediately.
Charlotte Maplethorpe scored her second of the game during a short corner, following a well-placed strike from Karen Timby.
Erin McMurray finished off the scoring with a clinical goal after receiving a pinpoint pass from Georgina Maplethorpe, who had once again run the baseline to create the opportunity.
The team's cohesive play and strong defensive set-up were key to this victory as was the tireless work rate across the pitch.
Player of the Match went to Georgina Maplethorpe for her phenomenal runs, defensive work and creative play throughout.
The ladies' second team went down to a 4-0 away loss at Newmarket despite the new line-up working well together.
Great interceptions were made by Zoë Moore and Steph Wilson throughout the game, however by the end of the first half, Spalding were two goals down.
After a restructure at half-time, great connections in the midfield were made between Amy Naylor and player of the match Camille Rogers up to Lauren Spenceley and Lyn Sullivan.
Although Newmarket came back stronger, winning many short corners, these were well defended by Sally Pilgrim, Lauren Pitts, Sam Maltby and Charlotte Burt who was making her debut appearance in goal.
Despite all Spalding's hard efforts, Newmarket managed to get two more shots into the back of the net.
A youthful Spalding third team went down to a 7-2 away loss against a mature St Ives side.
The Saints struck first but Spalding were not taken aback by this and tried their best to score, often passing the ball to Elouise Doughty on the wing, whose tireless runs up the left of the pitch were no match for St Ives whose solid defence stopped the visitors.
The hosts scored four more times before half-time to take a 5-0 lead into the interval break.
A sixth goal followed in the second half but Spalding came back and dominated and opened their goalscoring account when player of the match Khloe Brewster slotted home.
Spalding found their stride, albeit late in the game, and put pressure on St Ives who responded with Poppy Hooker making an amazing save on the goalline.
St Ives managed to score again before the end but Spalding had the final say when Chloe P and Kelly Tizzano linked well for the former to net.
It wasn't the score Spalding hoped for but the youthful team is growing from strength to strength every week and will bounce back.
Spalding are still seeking their first East League win of the season after a narrow 2-1 away loss at City of Peterborough 2nds on Saturday.
A scrappy first half was played out with both teams cancelling each other out.
Peterborough took the lead after a game of pinball in the D found a striker who finished into the bottom corner via a deflection off a defender's stick.
Spalding began to respond and, despite losing both Pearson and Callow to green cards, ended the first half stronger and came agonisingly close to an equaliser through two back post efforts while shouts for a penalty stroke were denied by the umpires.
The second half again started in a scrappy affair with both teams defending well and limiting shots on both goalkeepers. Peterborough doubled their lead following a smart penalty corner move.
Spalding fought back and reduced the game to one goal as a penalty corner of their own was dispatched from Stu Cunnington.
With the game becoming end to end, Oscar Haunch produced some great saves to keep Spalding in the game.
Spalding pushed for the equaliser in the last 10 minutes and Steve Rogers was denied by a smart stop by the keeper as the Maroons were unable to find the equaliser.
For the second time in two home matches, Spalding 2nds faced a team that was relegated from the division above.
In a challenging match against a well-drilled Peterborough 4ths side, Spalding found themselves on the back foot from the start and went down to a 7-2 loss.
The experienced opposition quickly took control, making it difficult to get past their defensive line.
However, Ollie Roy, stepping up to support the team, found the back of the net and gave Spalding a much needed lift.
After a half-time regroup, Spalding came out stronger, showing improved movement and pressing further into Peterborough's half.
This led to some great passing play, culminating in a great goal by Lewis Burton.
Unfortunately, Peterborough continued to apply pressure, making the most of any little mistake and denying Spalding any real chance.
Though the result was tough, there were glimpses of strong play from Spalding, with moments to build on for future matches.
Spalding 3rds fought back from two goals down to take all three points against Newmarket and make it two wins from three at the start of the league season.
Spalding had the better of the early exchanges with opportunities to score spurned.
Newmarket broke away and won a short corner which was converted and 10 minutes later they doubled their advantage with an identical strike.
Spalding continued to play the better hockey and Glenn Richardson halved the arrears on the stroke of half time with a well taken finish from the top of the D.
From here in, Spalding found their attacking flair as first Richardson equalised before captain Pete Wright slotted home to complete the comeback.
Ethan Worrall scored the fourth with a shot that found the bottom corner and Richardson rounded off the home side's scoring with his third.
With five minutes left, Newmarket pulled one back but Spalding held out to take the win.
The fourth team faced a more experienced Pelicans side and were beaten 5-1 in a challenging home match.
Despite the scoreline, Spalding put up a strong fight, showcasing determination and resilience throughout the game, especially with eight younger players in the team.
Spalding struggled to convert their opportunities, particularly from short corners, scoring only one from eight attempts.
Andy Barlow, playing as a forward, was a standout performer, earning man of the match honours after scoring their lone goal.
James Booth came close to adding to the tally with a couple of near misses but Pelicans took advantage of Spalding's defensive lapses, breaking through with effective passing play to score multiple goals.
Goalkeeper Steve Thurlbourne made some crucial saves to keep the scoreline from worsening.
While the result was disappointing, the match provided valuable experience for Spalding's younger players, who will continue to develop as they gain more exposure at this level.
