Report: 1st XI Men vs Pelicans 1 – November 18, 2023

Spalding 1s 2 – 5 Pelicans

Spalding made the easy journey across to the spa town of Kings Lynn for a encounter against table toppers Pelicans. As the nesting birds and other wildlife begin to hibernate for winter; it was the visitors that stuck their necks out in the initial forays of the first half. Lovely transitions from back into the fleet footed Blackman and Naylor allowed Spalding to gain territory and apply pressure on Pelicans – although this territory amounted to little clear cut chances. With their feather ruffled by the visitor’s gusto, the home side dug deep and a small rearrangement with the middle of park allowed momentum to swing into the hosts favour. The first D entry  resulted in ping pong in the D and with Spalding unable to clear, the hosts went in front for 1-0. One became two quickly through the winning of a set piece midway through the first half. Spalding undeterred pushed forward determined to make their mark on the scoreboard through good balls down both flanks to Dorey and Baker. Yet again territory and pressure amounted to little clear chances. Standing strong, Pelicans pushed out to 3-nil as Spalding went down to 10men with a Callow green card. Spalding – in the time left – duly responded on the right flank through a good by Azzopardi to give the visitors hope going to into the half time break. 3-1. The second half continued at a similar tempo to how the first half ended, Spalding pushing and Pelicans standing firm – eventually this pressure saw a breakthrough at a short corner through Cunnington converting top left. 3-2. Pushing for the equaliser , did leave gaps at the back for the visitors which Pelicans duly capitalised on, in quick succession. A combination of quick counter play and Morris  gifting some easy shorts for the hosts, Pelicans expanded their wings and pushed the score out to 5-2. Spalding continued to take the game to the table toppers and good transition play from Harris in the second half, meant there was always a threat for the hosts when Spalding attacked. A lot of positives to take away from the game for the visitors – tempo, pressure and pace of play yet it is Pelicans who claimed the theee points and remain top of the (bird) table.