Spalding travelled the short distance to Peterborough to play their counterparts in a match this that could be argued, defined by the spirit of the away side, in freezing cold and rainy conditions.
With around twenty-five players unavailable throughout the club that weekend, saw the junior compliment extended with Sam Hicks and Matthew Dorsett drafted into the side.
Spalding were under the cosh from the start against a very well drilled and skilful side however they held firm under intense pressure. Going to the break at level terms goalless was a testament to their defending, some definite luck with Peterborough hitting the post, and stunning goalkeeping from man of the match Steven Thurlbourne that kept Spalding level.
Determined play from midfield that saw Jake Sawyer drop and help from the front, Dylan Hind, Brian Read, Steve Hart and Alex Myland put Peterborough under pressure that allowed the defensive quintet of Andy Barlow, James Giles, Hicks, Kev Sawyer, and James Booth keep their lines well.
In fact, Spalding could have gone into the break one up but for a fine save from the Peterborough goalkeeper to save Barlow’s stinging shot from a short corner set play after fine play from Hind, Read and J Sawyer.
However, the second half started in the worst possible fashion as Peterborough took the lead as Spalding were slow to get off the blocks with Thurlbourne given no chance with the fine finish.
Spalding kept going and kept their discipline and nearly levelled matters when another Barlow short corner, awarded from an excellent similar move involving Read and Hind, flew agonisingly past the upper right-hand post.
It wasn’t to be, as Peterborough doubled their advantage midway through the half, but Spalding’s spirit, resilience and tenacity wasn’t broken. K Swayer made a stunning block on the line saving a certain goal whilst Barlow’s diving tackle saw another goal bound shot deflected over the bar with Thurlbourne making another set of superb saves.
So, a 2-0 loss, but the team could leave the pitch with their heads held high, knowing that they had done their best against extremely strong opposition. The next game is another challenging game against promotion chasing Bourne Deeping at Surfleet next Saturday.