Hockey round-up: Nine-goal haul sees Spalding 4th climb into second

Spalding 4th are still in the hunt for promotion from East Men’s Hockey League Division 5NW after a thumping 9-1 victory over Cambridge City 6th on Saturday.

It was a bitterly cold day that saw gale force winds and snow throughout the match at Glen Park – but it didn’t prevent a determined Spalding team from putting in an outstanding team performance.

Ben Scholes, back from a few weeks with the 3rd team, put the hosts ahead early on before Alfie Fletcher rifled his first-ever senior goal into the top corner for 2-0.

Another clinical move saw Scholes slip home number three, then he completed his hat-trick just before half-time when he lashed home a flick.

The second half saw Spalding continue with high intensity and Jack Martin soon netted their fifth, before the visitors pulled one back.

However, that only served to make Spalding kick on harder and their free-flowing dominance returned with further goals from Martin – who netted twice to complete his hat-trick – another from

Fletcher and one from Alex Cunnington to round off a comprehensive victory.

The win leaves the 4th side second in the standings with two games left to play.

Up in Division One, already-relegated Long Sutton 1st suffered a 3-1 reverse at Wapping 3rd.

In Division 3NW, Spalding 2nd slipped into the drop zone after suffering a 3-0 home defeat against City of Peterborough (CoP) 4th.

Club mates Spalding 3rd, who have already had their relegation confirmed, suffered a hefty 4-0 reverse at fellow strugglers CoP 5th – who leapfrogged Spalding 2nd as a result.

The hosts started the stronger winning most 50/50 challenges and led 3-0 at half-time.

Spalding put in a better performance second half, but the damage had already been done.

Strong tackling by Sean O’Leary and Alex Doughty kept the scoreline down.

As fate would have it, the two Spalding sides clash at Glen Park on Saturday for the last game of the season.

Meanwhile, Long Sutton 2nd drew 2-2 at Cambridge Nomads 2nd in Division 4NW.

Nick Ellis and Gary Hales got the goals for Sutton, who remain in the box seat to finish in third place.

Down in Division 6NW (N), Spalding 5th picked up a 2-0 victory at promotion Bourne/Deeping 5th to keep their hopes of finishing second alive.

Henry Thorogood’s well-taken effort gave Spalding the half-time advantage, before he added a second after the break to clinch the points. With one game to go, third-placed Spalding remain one point behind Bourne/Deeping.

• Lyn Sullivan and Lisa Baker both netted doubles as Long Sutton 1st enjoyed a hefty 6-0 victory over St Ives 2nd in East Women’s Hockey League Division 2NW.

Leah Goodley and Charlie Leuty also got in on the act for Sutton, while Sullivan’s efforts secured her the player of the match award.

In Division 3NW, Spalding Poachers 2nd enjoyed a 2-1 home triumph over Horncastle 1st.

Two goals from the in-form Alanna “AJ” Bunyan gave the Poachers the advantage, but a Horncastle goal ensured a nervy finale at Glen Park.

In Division 4NW, Spalding Poachers 3rd picked up a 2-0 triumph at Bourne/Deeping 3rd.

After a goalless first period Sharon Amess put Spalding ahead following a great run down the right from Mia Dewing.

Amess then doubled her tally to clinch the victory and cap a superb team showing.

Long Sutton 2nd, meanwhile, drew 1-1 at home against high-flying Bourne/Deeping. Hannah Baker got their goal.