Spalding Hockey Club ladies round-up

A goal from Hannah Baker settled the derby duel in Long Sutton's favour as they defeated Spalding on Saturday.

In a gripping encounter, Spalding dominated possession throughout the first half, orchestrating numerous attacks with several short corners and shots on goal.

Despite their offensive prowess, the first half remained goalless as Long Sutton's defence held firm, with their goalkeeper making crucial saves.

Spalding kept battling hard in the second half with player of the match Jess Ball making several opportunities to score but the team remained unsuccessful.

Long Sutton then capitalised on a counter-attack, breaking through Spalding's defence to score a decisive goal through Baker.

Spalding, undeterred, continued to press forward, showcasing skillful ball control and persistent attacks.

Despite commendable efforts, Long Sutton's defence proved resilient. Spalding's numerous short corners showcased their strategic approach, but they were unable to convert these opportunities into goals.

Spalding ladies' second team earned an excellent 3-1 victory over table-topping Cambridge Nomads.

Despite creating a couple of early chances in the game, it was Nomads who took the lead when they overloaded the visiting defence to score at the far post.

Undeterred, Spalding continued to press and a long through ball from player of the match Sally Pilgrim found the East League's top scorer Charlotte Maplethorpe.

Maplethorpe terrorised the Cambridge defence and won a penalty corner, which was superbly dispatched by Karen Timby from the top of the D. This remained the score until the break.

In a broken second half, with stoppages in play due to injuries to players from both teams, it was Spalding who took the lead when Maplethorpe dinked the ball in at the post from another Timby penalty corner.

Emily Wright sealed the three points with another deflection from a penalty corner strike, making it 3-1 at the final whistle.

Spalding remain in fourth but will hope to continue to pick up the points when they play Wisbech at home this week.

Spalding 3rds made a flying start to their match with Cambridge Nomads 2nds when captain Charlotte Morris smashed home the opening goal after just two minutes.

However, the Cambridge side then suddenly changed gear and began to overload the midfield and defence with their breakaway runs and slick passing.

The Spalding defence were under constant pressure and struggled to keep them out of the D and the visitors equalised to send the sides in level at the break.

Nomads then scored three times in quick succession to stun the home side after the break.

Midfielders Roz Dennis, Vicky Worrell and Jennie Bradley made some fantastic interceptions and were able to move the ball towards the attacking D, but it was challenging to score against the opposition.

The Spalding side were always in hope of scoring more and Lucy McClements, with her constant hunger for the ball, grabbed one back.

Spalding put up a great fight but the discipline from Cambridge was excellent and they scored another two before the final whistle.

Spalding had a couple more chances to score but they went just wide of the post.