Spalding Hockey Club round-up
Spalding were unable to rain on Pelicans' championship parade after the King's Lynn side lifted the Division One North title following their 4-1 win on Saturday.
It was a fiercely contested battle from start to finish, but Pelicans came out quickly, netting two early goals in the third and fifth minute.
Despite Spalding's valiant efforts, Pelicans' early dominance put them ahead 2-0 at half-time.
The second half saw Pelicans extending their lead with another goal in the 40th minute, followed by another in the 51st minute.
However, Spalding refused to back down, showing immense resilience and determination. In the 53rd minute, they clawed one back with a well-deserved goal from Matt Hulme, injecting a surge of energy into the game.
Despite the final score of 1-4 in favour of Pelicans, Spalding's performance was marked by unwavering teamwork and tenacity.
Captain Sam Howitt's exceptional defensive display earned him the title of man of the match, leading by example and inspiring his team to battle hard until the final whistle.
The second team went down to a 1-0 defeat against St Ives 3rds while the thirds won by the same margin against St Neots 2nds.
The game started very evenly between both teams but neither could create any chances.
St Neots grew into the game and controlled most of the possession but Spalding didn't let that get to them and they defended well with the whole team working for each other as the opening period finished goalless.
The second half continued much in the same way with St Neots having most of the possession but they couldn't create many chances and Spalding having some threatening counter attacks and a string of penalty corners to show they aren't to be taken lightly.
With the game seeming likely to end in a draw, Spalding had one last chance with two minutes left and Glenn Richardson's bobbled shot sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to score.
Spalding defended well to secure the win despite St Neots subbing their goalkeeper off for 11 outfield players.
Spalding 4ths shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Kettering as they returned to league action after a two-week break with a more recognisable squad than previous weeks.
Starting strong, Spalding opened the scoring after just two minutes when Andy Barlow pounced on a short corner save to slot home the rebound.
The Spalding pressure was relentless in the first half as they carved out numerous opportunities.
Good work down the left by Ethan Worrall saw him find Dave Burrell whose deflection found Pete Wright to slot home.
At half-time, talk was of more of the same but Kettering had other ideas and pulled a goal back within 30 seconds of the break. This gave them confidence and they equalised midway through the half.
After this both sides had chances to win but in the end had to settle for a point each. Spalding remain fifth in the league and travel to St Ives on Saturday.
Spalding Ladies took the derby day spoils after a 3-0 success over Long Sutton on Saturday.
The Maroons wished for high intensity from the start and this is what they brought.
Their aggressive attacking created multiple chances in the D with no luck to convert.
A great ball in from Jess Ball enabled Lauren Harvey to create an awesome deflection which was unfortunately saved.
After many long corners, Georgina Maplethorpe was able to drive the ball around the defenders and slot home between the goalkeeper’s feet, making the scoreline 1-0 to Spalding.
Long Sutton attempted a couple of counter attacks, but none were successful with Spalding’s solid defence and strong saves from goalkeeper Freya Lee.
Two minutes before the end of the first half, Tabitha Dunnett crossed a great ball in which was passed to Kate Amess on the penalty spot who took a shot for Erin McMurray to seal the deal with a tap in from the back post.
Being in the lead for the second half created lots more determination for Spalding to grab more goals.
They maintained the majority of possession throughout, including multiple short corner attempts and great saves from Long Sutton's goalkeeper.
Eventually an awesome straight strike on goal enabled Dunnett to take the scoreline for Spalding to 3-0.
Spalding continued to push for more goals and, with a short corner in the final minute, there was opportunity. Pippa Bembridge took a fabulous strike on goal which missed by an inch.
The ladies' second team were beaten 3-2 in their top of the table clash against an organised Cambridge Nomads team.
Two excellent attacks by Nomads put Spalding two goals behind and stunned them into action.
Relentless runs from Charlotte Maplethorpe threatened to break down the Nomads defence but no finishing touch could be found.
As the half progressed, a chance eventually fell to Kelly Cooper who slotted it past the keeper on the post.
Player of the match Freya Lee once again excelled in Spalding’s goal and repelled the visiting attack, however, the Maroons trailed 2-1 at the break with work to do.
Flexible captain Zoë Moore changed the formation in an attempt to diffuse the Nomads attacks and to create more chances.
The changes worked and Spalding continued to push for an equaliser which eventually came when Hennie Boekestyn slammed the ball home from close range.
Unfortunately, Spalding could not cling on to the much-needed point and, despite clearing one effort on the goalline, the defence were breached by a well-taken Nomads finish to snatch all three points.
The defeat sees Spalding drop to second with just two matches remaining where they hope to finish strongly against Wisbech and St Ives.
The ladies' third team also went down to defeat against Cambridge Nomads after losing 5-1 away at their seconds.
Although it took the travelling side some time to get started and find their form, especially when a careless whisper between captain and keeper led to a defensive error and a goal being scored, they suddenly found their shape and Vicky Worrall smashed one back to take it to 1-1.
Both sides were playing well but the opposition closed down quickly and ensured they won every ball including from free hits.
Spalding had to capitalise on any quick breaks. This was especially seen from Sharon Amess, Chloe P and Alanna Bunyon.
At half time and at 1-1, manager Matthew Pilgrim was determined to help the team utilise their wingers and be available and seen.
The second half began and Nomads took their chances quickly, almost looking like they were dancing with their opposition moving them in many directions.
They scored two in quick succession, proving their strength and dominance. Keeper Eliza Morris made some crucial saves throughout the game and directed her team to mark tightly.
Spalding continued to fight back with Camille Rogers intercepting and linking beautifully with Honor Pearson and Eloise Doughty to grab short corners.
Unfortunately, the team just couldn’t capitalise. Lisa Dean and Terri Bateman worked terrifically well together and continued to motivate the team with their vision and runs.
Charlotte Morris managed to get hold of a deflected short corner and volley it into the back of the net at the wrong end and, to cement their win, Nomads slotted another one past keeper Morris junior.
Juniors Jessica Pilgrim, Holly Gleave and Khloe Brewster made some vital contributions and showed off how they have progressed this season.
It wasn't the scoreline they needed but they are hoping they have still done enough to keep out of the relegation zone.
They face March at home on Saturday and are again eager to reverse the scoreline from the first half of the season.