Spalding Ladies 3s 2 St Ives 4
Spalding knew they were going to have a battle on their hands, and it showed early on when the defence were put under pressure. It quickly became the St Ives show especially when they began overloading and attacking repeatedly. It was not long before they drove into the top of the D and completed a great strike to score the first. Before long, a scramble saw another sneak into the goal. Then minutes later, after a save by the Spalding keeper during a short corner, it was then followed up and captain Charlotte Morris could just not reach it in time. 3-0 down and still time for more, Spalding finally began to play the ball wide, helping it to reach attackers Lucy McClements and Chloe P. There were moments where Spalding looked exciting, and goals looked like they could come.
The half time talk was necessary and the fighting spirit that normally oozes out of this team was asked for from manager and Morris. As soon as the second half whistle began, the home side linked beautifully. They grabbed a short corner which Sam Foston struck well but it was the magic of McClements that lifted it into back of the goal. This was exactly the outcome Manager Tim Maltby had been shouting about.
Determined to score more, Spalding continued to demonstrate the basics of pass, move and want it more than the opposition. Defender extraordinaire Kelly Tizzano made a great move and found a pass through to Foston (never late) who did not delay in taking it around several players and scoring a whopper of a goal. Elated, Camille Rogers and player of the match Honor Pearson continued to work hard in the middle and made a real difference with their interceptions and ability to go forwards. Terri Bateman and Sharon Amess continued to battle hard towards the end and kept their players away from keeper Eliza Morris who had made some impressive saves during the match but a stroke was awarded St Ives way and their experience ensured they put it away. Energy levels remained high thanks to the gladiators at the back – Tizzano continued to press high and found herself smashing the ball across the D ensuring the home side had another opportunity. Sadly, it was not meant to be and they lost 4-2. A game of two halves but a game that demonstrated a desire this Spalding side have to ensure they turn disappointment into positivity.