Spalding Ladies 3s vs Cambridge Nomads 2s
First game back for 2025, and it was one very chilly morning. Spalding Ladies 3s faced Cambridge Nomads 2s, this time at home. Determined to make this half of the season something to remember, Spalding aimed to improve on their scores from last season and move up the league table.
The Nomads started with possession, but Spalding quickly claimed it back. Spalding had a couple of shots on goal but, unfortunately, could not score. The Nomads regained possession and managed to get the ball through Spalding’s defence, scoring the first goal: 1-0 down. Spalding converted an attack into a short corner, where Khole Brewster’s fine injecting skills were utilized, but they were unable to score. The first half ended 1-0 to the Nomads.
A brilliant half-time talk by manager Charlotte Morris reminded the ladies to use their strengths by utilizing the width of the pitch. Spalding came out fighting, but the Nomads also came out strong, passing the ball around. Holly Gleaves managed to stop any balls through. Jess Pilgrim made some good runs up onto the baseline, passing towards the P spot. One of these resulted in a short corner, where Sam Foston scored a smashing straight strike into the back of the goal, equalizing the score at 1-1, half-time.
Spalding continued to dominate throughout the second half with many passes between players. Chloe P and Lucy made fantastic passes into the attacking D but were unable to score. Any balls that made it out towards the defence were picked up by Kiki and Jess P, who passed back and forth, keeping the Nomads on their toes.
The Nomads made a couple of runs, but Poppy Hooker and MOM Honor Pearson deflected these away. However, one ball managed to get through the defence, and the Nomads scored, putting Spalding 2-1 down.
Spalding kept pushing, remembering to use the width. Passes to Elouise Doughty on the left, whose quick moves got the ball into the attacking D, but still no goals. In the final seconds, a ball to Jess P enabled another beautiful run up the right wing into the D, resulting in a shot on goal. Although deflected, a well-positioned Khloe Brewster managed to slip in the equalizing goal. Final score: 2-2.
Spalding Ladies 3s are over the moon with 1 point, managing to maintain their position in the league. Next week, Spalding plays St Ives, who are currently second in the league. However, Spalding is playing for the win at home.