Spalding Hockey Club round-up

Spalding's men's second team secured a vital victory in Division 3NW of the East League after a two-goal home success against Cambridge Nomads on Saturday.

The win moved Spalding up a place in the league standings ahead of the festive break from action.

The first half of the match was equal with Spalding slightly more in control in terms of chances and possession.

They only wavered when caught on the counter and went down to 10 players as the opening period finished goalless.

Both teams created chances with the possibility of goals after the break but strong defences kept the scores level as the game ticked on.

Spalding slowly started building more strength in the game and pushed for more chances to score and were finally able to break the deadlock through a Tim Maltby finish.

The goal bolstered Spalding's confidence in both attack and defence and, after repelling the Nomads, the Maroons snatched a second goal with three minutes remaining to give the breathing room to finish the game off as winners and move into ninth in the 12-team league.

The men's first team were unable to move off the foot of the Division 1N table after a four-goal away loss at high-flying Cambridge City 2nds.

The team started off brightly with stand-out defensive efforts keeping Cambridge at bay in the opening stages.

As the wind picked up, Spalding's defence began to feel the pressure and, despite their best efforts, Cambridge managed to break through and score two goals in quick succession.

Spalding looked to start the second half strongly and won an early penalty corner but were unlucky not to score.

As possession changed hands frequently, Spalding were found on the back foot and Cambridge made it 3-0.

Spalding responded with a surge of energy and Will Baker led a strong counter, finding himself with a shot at goal, but his effort narrowly missed the target, denying the team a glimmer of hope.

As Spalding continued to push, more chances came but they were unable to break through the Cambridge defence.

In the final stages of the match, Cambridge extended their lead with a goal from a former Spalding player Robin Edlington.

The third team were involved in a high-scoring 4-4 draw at March 2nds.

The hosts went one up after a fortuitous goal from a yet brilliant finish off the crossbar but Spalding equalised soon after as Pete Wright's shot looped over the keeper and just under the bar.

It was 2-1 after a one-on-one on the counter attack from March who then made it 3-1 with another scrappy goal.

With the wind increasingly playing its part, Spalding kept battling and another scramble in the D led to Paul Pearson reducing arrears.

Tim Amess scored a good finish after some scrappy chances to bring it all square but it was 4-3 then to March from a tap in.

Glenn Richardson scored a lovely equaliser to round off the scoring for Spalding who saw good performances from Tom Eve and Simon Goode.

The men's fourth team showcased the rewards of their hard work in training with a determined 2-1 victory over Wisbech Town 4ths on a stormy Saturday morning.

A combination of early goals, solid defence and disciplined teamwork earned them a well-deserved win in challenging conditions.

The match began with Spalding asserting themselves immediately and Andy Barlow set the tone with a fantastic early goal, striking low and hard into the bottom corner after a slick build-up in midfield.

Spalding's aggressive start reflected their recent focus in training which was evident in their sharp passing and cohesive play.

Wisbech, however, fought back and levelled the score midway through the first half via a penalty flick, awarded after a defensive infringement.

Despite the setback, Spalding remained composed and their persistence paid off just before half-time.

Dylan Hind, working tirelessly up front alongside Dave Burrell, capitalised on a well-timed pass to calmly slot the ball past the keeper and restore Spalding's lead.

The second half showcased Spalding’s defensive discipline and work ethic.

Lorenzo and Marco Mendoza were superb at the back, repeatedly thwarting Wisbech’s advances.

In midfield, Mark Rogers, Henry Gibbons, and Andy Barlow were determined, breaking up play and driving the team forward.

Meanwhile, James Booth made crucial saves to deny Wisbech any chance of equalising.