The Spalding Guardian Cup competition has returned

The first matches have been played in the return of the Spalding Guardian Cup competition.

The popular pre-season event has been revived by Alan 'Lefty' Wright for the first time since the 1980s.

Boston League side Eagle United have made a strong start to the competition after back-to-back wins in Group A.

They defeated Deeping United 4-2 in their opening match after goals from Danny Woods (2), Delphin Esteves and Luca Hall. Harrison Pearce netted twice for the hosts.

That was followed up by a 12-2 home success over Crowland Reserves on Saturday with Ryan Leggett and Esteves both hitting hat-tricks.

Dom Goddard grabbed with a brace with Daniel Fisher, Joe Woods, Danny Woods and goalkeeper Ben Martin also on target.

They visit Tydd Reserves tomorrow night (Wednesday) for their next match.

Tydd lost 8-2 at home to Deeping United before being beaten 2-0 by Swineshead in their opening two matches.

Holbeach Sports were 4-0 winners at Tydd on Saturday after the Tigers had shared the spoils in a goalless draw with Crowland Reserves.

Swineshead had made a winning start with a 3-1 success at Crowland Reserves as goals from Andrew Whalen (two) and George Bakes secured the win for the Boston League side.

However, they were then beaten 3-0 at Deeping United who visit Crowland Reserves tomorrow (Wednesday) while Holbeach Sports play Swineshead on Thursday.

Moulton Harrox Reserves and Deeping United Reserves will qualify from the three-team Group B after it was hit by the withdrawals of Holbeach Development and Northgate Olympic.

Moulton were 9-0 winners against Deeping United Veterans as Ryan Stanberry and Jack Greenacre both scored hat-tricks with Cam Bedden (two) and John Ball (penalty) also netting.

Deeping's reserves side were 2-0 winners over their veterans and now face Moulton on Saturday with the winners taking top spot.

The top teams from each group will go through to the semi-finals with the winners of Group A taking on the runners-up of Group B while the Group B winner will face the second-placed team in Group A.

The final is expected to take place at Carter's Park on Saturday, August 12, with a 7pm kick-off.

FIXTURES

Tonight (Tuesday)

Group A: Tydd v Eagle, Holbeach Sports v Swineshead (at Holbeach Bank).

Tomorrow (Wednesday)

Group A: Crowland Res v Deeping United.

Friday

Group A: Eagle v Swineshead (at Holbeach Bank).

Saturday

Group A: Deeping United v Holbeach Sports, Crowland v Tydd.

Group B: Deeping Utd Res v Moulton Harrox Res.