Spalding Hockey Club round-up

Spalding Ladies head into the East League festive break three points clear at the top of Division 2NW table after a 7-3 home success on Saturday.

The Maroons produced a strong second half showing against visiting Cambridge Nomads to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.

From the start, Spalding pressed hard while maintaining possession and playing the ball around the pitch.

A gap appeared for Evie Maltby to play a ball through to Georgina Maplethorpe who ran the ball into the D and slotted home.

Nomads began to press harder and capitalised on a short corner to equalise.

Spalding continued to pass the ball around while awaiting an opportunity to capitalise and Charlotte Maplethorpe saw an opening to restore the lead.

Again Nomads used this to fuel their fight and again capitalised from another short corner to level the scores going into half-time.

Nomads took the lead early in the second period but Spalding equalised when they won a short corner which was shot into the bottom corner by Karen Timby for a deflection by Charlotte Maplethorpe.

Spalding gained momentum and pressed hard to catch Nomads off guard as Hennie Boekestyn found a way around the defence and crossed the ball into the D for Ellie Holland to capitalise.

Spalding now had control and further goals from Boekestyn and Holland extended their advantage.

They sealed their success late in the game as they won another short corner with Holland's strike being deflected by Charlotte Maplethorpe.

The ladies' second team game at Cambridge City 5ths was postponed due to the weather while the thirds lost 2-1 at Haverhill.

Spalding knew that it was going to be a tough game as they battled the elements but dominated and passed the ball around, having confidence to pass it back round the defensive line up.

Spalding had many shots on goal but were not able to convert while Haverhill managed to score for a one-goal interval lead.

Spalding continued to try and score after the break and Kelly Tizzano found Lisa Dean on a tight sideline pass.

Dean was able to smash the ball in the attacking D where a well positioned Khloe Brewster was able to slot the ball into the goal for a much needed equaliser.

However, shortly after, Haverhill were able to score from a short corner to regain the lead.

Spalding tried to equalise but were not successful, despite some beautiful play on the left between sisters Poppy and Lilly Hooker.

The final score did not reflect the play as Spalding were the more dominant and skilful team but just could not get any goals in making it a frustrating loss in such horrendous weather conditions.

The ladies are hoping the second half of the season will see more wins as the youthful team has grown in confidence and skill since their first game and will get stronger and stronger every week.