The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding Ladies’ 1st 8
St Neots 2nd 2
Goals: Amy Naylor, Ellie Holland, Erin McMurray, Evie Maltby, Kate Amess, Lauren Harvey, Lauren Spenceley
The match kicked off with a remarkable display of skill as Amess dribbled down the wing, finding the net in just 25 seconds.
Holland and Georgina Maplethorpe showcased their teamwork with a brilliant one-two pass, which Holland finished off in just 13 minutes.
Not long after, Maltby continued the scoring with a powerful shot into the goal from another short corner.
By the 19th minute, Naylor delivered a strong pass to Harvey, who delivered a super slap shot past the goalkeeper.
In the 34th minute, Naylor netted a powerful goal, skilfully receiving the ball from Spenceley, closely followed through by Spenceley delivering a powerful shot into the goal.
Spalding ended the first half on a high with a powerful 6-1 lead.
After a strong team talk, Spalding displayed remarkable skill and teamwork in the second half, with McMurray deflecting one of Maltby’s powerful hits into the goal.
At the 50-minute mark, determination and courage from the side-line showed amazing skill between Spenceley and Maplethorpe who created another opportunity for Naylor.
St Neots managed to secure another goal through a short corner in the 68th minute, demonstrating their determination.
Spalding Men’s 1st 1
Cambridge 1st 3
Goals: Dan Azzopardi
Cambridge took the lead with an open-play goal, but Spalding quickly equalised with a counter-attack, as Darren Grooby squared it to Azzopardi who found the net.
However, Cambridge regained the lead with another open-play goal.
Both teams battled fiercely, especially Spalding, creating numerous chances throughout the game.
After half time, the intensity continued, with both teams pushing for goals.
Despite Spalding’s efforts, it was Cambridge who extended their lead to 1-3 with a penalty corner conversion.
Despite the score line, both teams displayed great determination, making it an entertaining match for the spectators.
Oscar Haunch made some remarkable saves throughout the match, keeping his team in contention.
In the end, it was Cambridge who emerged victorious in what was a fiercely contested encounter.
Spalding Ladies 3rd 1
Haverhill 1st 3
Goals: Camille Rogers
Setting off early and travelling through a variety of climates, Spalding were in a positive mood and hopeful of points.
They started confidently and managed to break through the opposition’s defence.
However, Haverhill utilised their experience and played the ball through to their attacking players to get some quick shots on goal.
They were able to draw the Spalding defence close and play the ball onto their feet which led to early short corners and a slick shot that whizzed past captain Charlotte Morris to hit the backboard for Haverhill to take an early lead.
Spalding attempted to play the ball wide and Milly Hastings worked incredibly hard winning the ball and making impressive runs down the left-hand side.
She linked beautifully with forward Lucy McClements who directed the youngsters so well.
A few quick passes led to Rogers slipping it past the opposition keeper to draw the first half 1-1.
Time was called in quick succession due to some injuries to both sides and half time was called.
The second half saw Haverhill overloading often and putting lots of pressure on the defence.
Honor Pearson and Samantha Foston worked incredibly hard in the centre and out on the wing taking players on and nipping past them with ease.
This often led to positive play and a chance at a shot on goal.
Defender Kelly Tizzano navigated the ball cleverly around the pitch and always found a Spalding player to move the ball onto.
Another short corner for Haverhill found its way over the line to take it to 2-1.
Then another goal with five minutes to go for Haverhill after some miscommunication.
Spalding had their chances, particularly with the many short corners at the end but the opposition’s keeper played superbly and kept the ball out to win the game 3-1.
