Report: 2nd XI Men vs Cambridge City 3s – February 15, 2025
Spalding 2’s made another journey to Cambridge with the hope of creating an upset against league leaders Cambridge City 3’s. The match got off to a positive start for both teams, but Spalding soon came under pressure from a skilful and organised team who passed the ball around with ease. Rob Callaby was soon in the game making saves to keep Spalding in the contest. Unfortunately, it did not long for Cambridge City to score the first goal. Spalding moved forward from the restart with Tom Pilgrim winning a penalty corner leading to Spalding coming close to an equaliser. City scored their second to extend the lead with Spalding keeping the opposition at bay, soaking up the pressure and trying to counter to end the half at 2-0.
The match continued like the first and it was not long before Cambridge scored their third goal. Spalding had moments of brightness but could not keep the ball which allowed Cambridge to keep applying the pressure with more fluent passing hockey. Cambridge kept adding to the score line at regular intervals. In the closing stages of the match Spalding started to play passing hockey and retained the ball to deny any further goals. The final score 7-0 Cambridge City 3’s.
Special mentions should go to Rob Callaby for his many saves and to Dan Wright and Ethan Worrall who made their second team debut. They both slotted straight into the team in difficult circumstances.