The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding Ladies 1st hit the top of East League Division 2NW after deposing City of Peterborough with a 3-1 win in Surfleet.
And on Sunday they won through to round three of the HA Cup, beating higher league Watton 3-2.
Saturday’s league match was a very tight affair with Spalding giving everything against a quick and well disciplined city side.
A moment of individual brilliance by Tierney Augustine gave COP the lead, but Kelly Slator finished a penalty corner superbly for the equaliser.
Spalding then played some of their best hockey of the season. On 52 minutes Slator scored an identical penalty corner to put Spalding deservedly ahead.
Bec Howitt kept that lead intact with a wonder save, tipping the ball over the crossbar, before Katie Gray got the goal that her play deserved with a fine finish.
Meanwhile, one goal was enough for Long Sutton to see off City of Peterborough 2nd.
Sutton’s dominance did not transform into goals in the first half.
However, ten minutes into the second half and with play focussed in the Peterborough half, the break came. Following rebound after rebound, Louise Southgate retrieved the ball and fed Becky Kierman who lifted the ball over the line for the winner.
In Division 3NW (N), Long Sutton Ladies 2nd lost 3-0 in a derby at home to Spalding Ladies.
The shining light for Sutton was the young players who did not disappoint yet again. Lou Billingham made some great runs down the right flank and worked hard and Sophie Gray arguably had her best game of the season so far, just missing out to the ever reliable Issy Oldershaw-Ellis for Player of the Match.
Rachel Gadsden returned after a long break and was invaluable in defence.
Hannah Maris had to step into the central mid-field and yet again gave a good account of herself. Millie Lamming worked well on the left and Hannah Kitchen was strong in the Sutton goal.
Meanwhile, Ali Wild struck the goal which secured only a second win of the season for Spalding Ladies 3rd.
Leadenham took the lead before half-time but excellent committed play from Evie Maltby enabled her to level from an extremely tight angle.
Lucy Simpson and Ellie Pybus played well, while Emma Gent repeatedly troubled Leadenham’s defence.
Spalding were thankful to Sally Pilgrim for some strong post defending during a series of late short corners.
