The 5ths travelled to Newmarket for a friendly against a side that were sitting in second place in East League Division 6NW and had only lost one game all season to now.
The Spalding team included two debutants in Will and Isaac who had never played a game against opposition on a full pitch and of the thirteen-man squad, nine were aged 14 or under. Against a similar youthful Newmarket side, Spalding started well and played some very good hockey. Quick accurate passing from the team from defence to attack saw Spalding move the ball very well and create chances. Harry, at the top of attack was always a threat with some good movement off the ball and was unlucky not to score with a well saved shot following a good break involving Rafa, Dylan and Sam. The chances kept coming Spalding’s way as Dylan had a couple of short corner shots go wide of go and Brian was unlucky as well as his shot whistled just past the left-hand post. Jake aka Madonna also was causing Newmarket a few problems with some great hold-up play and passing to unmarked players.
It would be wrong to say that Spalding were dominating the game as Newmarket also had their opportunities. Following a good break by the hosts, James B in goal made a smart save to keep the scoreline level but defensively, the back trio of Alex, James B and Freddie were more than holding their own with some superb interceptions and tackling, restricting the home side to just a handful of chances in the half.
However Spalding went into the break trailing after Newmarket broke well and found the net after a series of fine saves by James in goal so despite a very good first half, Spalding were chasing the game.
Newmarket started the second half strongly restricting Spalding to few chances in the first section of the second half however Spalding kept their cool, kept playing their hockey despite tiredness setting in however got onto level terms when Andy deflected in from Dylan’s short corner following a period of sustained pressure. And that is how it stayed as both teams drew a competitive but very friendly game.
Special mention goes to Isacc & Will who worked their socks off and played very well despite this being their first ever competitive game at 11-a-side with Isaac winning the MOM award.
A huge thank you goes to Newmarket for their hospitality with the match played in superb spirits, and was also very well umpired. All in all, a very good day with some great hockey being played by both sides making it a very entertaining game.