Report: 1st XI Men vs St Ives 1 – November 16, 2024

Spalding 1s 2 – 1 St Ives 1s

A wet afternoon in surfleet saw Spalding 1s and St Ives 1s face off, in what was a massive game at the bottom of the table. 

The game started at a fast intensity with both teams going at each other, but near misses from Stuart C and Jacob B from short corners saw the first half end goalless. 

The second half started just as the first did, with both teams putting in strong challenges and creating chances. The opener eventually game after a succession of St Ives short corners, where the ball was nicely drag flicked into the bottom corner. 

However, Spalding responded in a true spalding style, as Stuart C’s perfectly placed drag flick saw Spalding equalise, and gain the momentum. Despite this momentum, green cards from Ethan P, Stuart C and Jacob B in quick succession put Spalding on the back foot, with their defence proving to be solid as they kept the scores level. As spalding grew into the game again, thanks to some excellent hockey and superb dribbling from David D, and Darren G. Eventually their domination paid off, after a crash ball saw a scrappy goal roll into the net. The spalding players showed their experience by doing an excellent job in keeping the ball, allowing them to see the game out as a 2-1 win, the first of the season. 

A special moment after the final whistle saw all the squad come together in a huddle celebrating their first win since the passing of there team mate Joe. A show of strength and unity with all members including ones out injured part of it showing the bond the team have.

MOM- Will Baker 

DOD- Oscar Haunch