Spalding Ladies 3s 10 Cambridge South 5s 1
Spalding feeling jubilant for the birthday girl, set their mark almost immediately, with just a few passes linking together, they saw an attack on goal which was saved beautifully by the opposition goalkeeper. Cambridge then countered and Spalding’s defence were tested but kept calm and managed to get the ball clear. Attackers Charlotte Maplethorpe and Lucy McClements worked well together and ensured that the next attack beat the keeper with Maplethorpe slamming it into the back board. A few minutes later, she repeated the same. It was great to see the wingers of Camille Rogers and Eloise Doughty use their pace to out run and out skill the Cambridge team and then help the ball to get quickly into the D, for McClements to tap past the keeper to take it to 3-0. Cambridge would fight back each time but the brilliance of the midfielders (Dennis, Worrel, Maplethorpe and Amess) ensured nothing much came through. The defence was always ready and great communication helped to keep the goals at bay. After a great run of passes, Georgina Maplethorpe skilfully slotted one past the opposition. Cambridge not to be put off won several short corners but to no avail. Just before half time, again Maplethorpe C was still on the prowl and with a lovely ball crossed in from Jessica Pilgrim, she swept it into the goal to end the first half.
Spalding were keen to impress, and this is what they kept doing. Straight after half time, Khloe Brewster as always in the right position snuck one into the corner. The opposition broke and caught the Spalding keeper off guard to snatch one back. Spalding re-grouped and captain Charlotte Morris hit one through to McClements and Maplethorpe. After a few passes it rebounded off one of their defenders into the goal. Spalding’s defence worked hard throughout and were on the attack themselves. Honor Pearson certainly impressed today as did Terri Bateman, offering outlets and pressing high. From out of nowhere, Samantha Foston picked up a pass and did what she does best, dribbled through many players and scored an impressive goal from the top of the D. It was not long before Maplethorpe G scored another. Player of the match, keeper Eliza Morris still had crucial saves to make and showed she was not afraid to meet the ball and make some useful clearances whilst singing away her usual ghostbusting tunes. Just before the end of the game, McClements met the ball from a hit once again to end the game 10-1. Another encouraging and solid performance by this ever-improving team.