Report: 2nd XI Ladies vs Cambridge City 5 – March 29, 2025
Match report- Saturday 29th March 2025
Spalding Ladies 2’s vs Cambridge City 5’s
The sun had been shining all day, but as soon as Spalding ladies stepped on the pitch, there was a chill in the air and a fresh breeze.
With our formation set, first pushback won, and our favourite end awarded, we felt positive for the game ahead. Cambs City clearly had their own plans, quickly intercepted the ball and, within the first 3 minutes, found the back of the net, completely catching Spalding off guard. Spalding, however, didn’t let this set them back and fought hard to win every ball, intercept passes, and mark intensley in the centre to disrupt Cambs momentum and pace on the ball.
Maddie Haunch and Hennie Boekestyn proved to be valued additions to the team down the wing and centre, whilst the midfield held strong with Kate Amess, Camille Rogers, Vicky Worrall, Zoe Moore and Tabby Green picking up players. Goalkeeper Char Burt was on fire throughout, with 2 stick saves and a plethera of goaline clearances, rightly earning her player of the match.
Lauren Spenceley and Erin McMurray created several opportunities up front, and the defense held strong with Grace Hodgett, Leanne Isaac-Pick, and Sam Maltby switching play and stopping Cambs advances towards goal. Half time ended 1-0 to the away team.
After some well-earned jelly babies, half-time oranges, a motivational pep talk from Manager Steph Wilson and Head of Selection Zoe Moore, (plus a quick kit change), Spalding felt confident to at least win a goal back.
The 2nd half started much the same as the first, with a quick attack from Cambs and the ball unfortunately once again seeing the back of the net. Spalding, too, had opportunities to score, and Erin made some beautiful advances in the attacking D. However, these did not convert to goals. Finally, 2 short corners were awarded in succession, and Grace stepped up to take her place – sadly, neither sweep made it over the goaline.
The match added 2-0 to City, and with the season now come to end, the ladies 2’s will be relegated to division 3, but excited for a competative season ahead.
MOM = Char Burt for her awesome saves throughout
DOD = 3-way tie between Erin McMurray for kicking the ball during attack on goal, Grace for oversharing, and Vicky for running into and hugging the net in attempt to keep ball in play.