Report: 1st XI Men vs St Ives 1 – March 08, 2025
Spalding Men’s 1’s vs St Ives 1s
Spalding travelled to St Ives on a sunny afternoon.
The game started with Spalding slow to get off the mark, being second to every 50/50 and lacking momentum.
As the minutes ticked by Spalding started to find their rhythm and upped the pace. From this point on Spalding looked the better team and comfortably controlled the game.
On the ten minute mark Ethan Person got hacked down just past the half way line, he got to his feet, took the free hit quickly, rounded 4 defenders, before reaching the top of the St Ives D and quickly dispatched and unstoppable reverse stick strike which found the top left corner.
After the restart, St Ives applied pressure of their own to the Spalding defense. Spalding dealt with this well, with Oscar Haunch making some great saves and some great defending from Howitt, Grant and Borst. However unfortunately, after a controversial decision where the ball was deemed to hit a Spalding foot, a short corner was given and St Ives took advantage and leveled the score.
Spalding reacted quickly, lifted their heads and found their groove again. With some quick passing Spalding won a short of their own where Stu Cunnington slipped the ball to the left post, where Jacob Baker deflected the ball into the St Ives net.
The first half whistle went, allowing Spalding to regroup and rehydrate.
After the restart Spalding continued pushing forwards. St Ives gave Spalding a helping hand losing a few players in quick succession to the sideline, following a string of green cards.
Spalding punished with the overload and worked the ball well. Eventually finding space on the left side of the pitch where Jacob Baker slapped the ball towards the St Ives penalty spot, allowing Will Baker to confidently deflect the ball into the St Ives goal.
With the time ticking by, Spalding professionally managed the game to the full time whistle.
Spalding 3 – 1 St Ives
MOTM – went to Matt Hulme after a brilliant all round performance.
DOTD – Jacob Baker