Spalding made the long journey to Suffolk in soaring conditions on the first weekend of the season! Travelling with a squad of 12, Spalding set up in a new formation to combat a Magpies early onset.
Spalding saw the first 15 mins and defended superbly putting bodies on the line, and limited shots on Oscar in goal.
Superb work down the left from David Dorey and Darren Grooby earned Spalding a penalty corner.
A strike from Jacob Baker was well saved by the keeper and Grooby pounced on the loose ball to put Spalding ahead. With temperatures rising on and off the pitch Spalding continued to battle to the half.
Magpies caught Spalding off guard at the start of the second half and equalised through a back post tap in. The game continued to be in the balance at 1-1. A quick turnover in the middle of the pitch saw Magpies win a penalty corner from a mistake at the back. Magpies converted to give them a 2-1 lead.
Spalding tired as the half went on and some super goalkeeping from Haunch in goal and a goal line clearance from L.Fravigar kept Spalding in hopes of taking a point. Spalding rallied late on and some near misses across the goal and touches evaded Spalding sticks.
A super display of passion, commitment, discipline and work rate from Spalding’s squad allowed them to come away from Suffolk with a bundle of optimistic ahead of the season.
Harleston Magpies 2 – 1 Spalding
Joint men of the match Matt Sanders and Jacob Baker