The fifths made an end of week visit to Kings Lynn Pelicans to take on their junior development side in a game that was end to end that saw great hockey played by both sides.
For once, Spalding had the advantage in having a slightly older side however you would not have thought it against a very well drilled, technically proficient side who played without a senior that caused Spalding several problems during the game.
With the game being split into quarters, Spalding started brightly however the home side took the lead in the first quarter following a short corner routine that saw the ball powerfully flicked home with Steve in goal and Kev on the post having no chance to save.
Following the first break, Spalding started to really get into the game and forced some short corners with great work from Harry (who had easily his best game for the club), Matt, Will, captain Jake and Dylan. But they couldn’t get the final shot away and the no further goals were added in the second quarter.
The third quarter saw Spalding build in confidence as they started to play some excellent free flowing hockey. The pleasing element was the way that the moves were been built from the back using the channels effectively and they equalised with the fifths goal of the season so far.
Alex, who had an excellent game at right back, sent the perfect back down the right-hand flank to joint Man of the Match Isaac, He then combined brilliantly with the tireless Dylan and Will that saw one and two touch passing and moving into space that ultimately saw the ball crossed to the impressive Cheston. His first time shot nestled into the bottom left-hand goal and Spalding were at parity with their hosts.
This move came after an excellent short corner routine that saw Will’s initial shot saved on the line illegally and a penalty stroke awarded. A superb save from the goalkeeper saw the shot saved however it is credit to the young side (you have to remind yourself that they haven’t played as a group before this season as still are short of double figures of games) that their heads didn’t drop, and what a response!
All square at the end of the third quarter and the game was evenly balanced. However, the fourth quarter proved to be end to end and exciting for the spectators. Pelicans retook the lead with a wonderful reverse stick shot that dipped nicely underneath the bar however the travelling side never let their heads drop. In fact, they dug deep into their reserves and equalised through Will’s close range forced effort after a period of sustained pressure and gave the Spalding forward a well-deserved goal.
It got even better when they took the lead when the other Joint Man of the Match Jake, scored with a great finish following again another flowing move to give the Spalding captain only his second ever goal at 11-a-side.
Spalding held out under pressure as the home side tried to find an equaliser, but it was not to be for them.
A mention must be also made to Sam at left-back who was simply solid and made a number of brilliant key tackles and ball distributions and to Fred who played in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role and played as though that he had done that all of his playing career breaking up attacks and picking the passes left and right to allow Spalding to open the game up.
In conclusion, a good performance against a very good side but it must be remembered that the opposition were younger, so that must be taken into consideration. But there was definite progression, even throughout the game, and you could see the understanding of the game grow each minute and key to that was the positivity of the Spalding side.
A big thank to the hosts for such a friendly welcome, post-match teas and the umpires. They have a team that will do great things in the future.