Report: 4th XI Men vs Pelicans 4s – October 25, 2025

Spalding Fourths entertained Pelicans Fourths in an encounter that saw the home side again, show their tenacious side as they narrowly achieved win number three for the season, moving into joint sixth place in Division 5NW of the East League.

Playing a vastly experienced side from Kings Lynn with a lot of pedigree including at least one ex national league player, the hosts started off well. Playing with a full squad of sixteen, defensively Spalding were strong with the starting line of James Booth, James Giles, Sam Hicks & Kev Sawyer dealing with attacks well.

The starting midfield of Clive Sheridan, Dylan Hind, Ed Sly & Alex Myland were giving their visitors a tough battle whilst the arduous work of Fred Neal & Jake Sawyer up front giving Pelicans food for thought.

Chances for the first twenty minutes or so were at a premium with Pelicans firing the ball wide of goal whilst Spalding created opportunities via short corners. However, a move of pure quality opened up Pelicans. Clive Sheridan started the move that found Fred Neal completely unmarked. The Spalding youngster moved the ball well into space before finding the perfect pass to the unmarked Andy Barlow who had come onto the pitch. The Spalding acting skipper didn’t hesitate and shot home to give the home side the advantage.

With substitutes Sam Willerton, Matthew Dorsett, Isaac Davison, and Ethan Worrall also coming on the first half having a definitive positive effect, Spalding ended the half fairly comfortably.

The second half was a complete opposite to the first with a multitude of chances, especially for the visitors. It would be wrong to say that Spalding didn’t have an element of fortune during this period, however their hard work paid just dividends.

And yet it seemed it would be a good half for the Fourths when they doubled their advantage. Dylan Hind’s great shot was well saved however the ball fell nicely to Andy Barlow and he placed the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the goal. From that moment, it looked really promising.

Two nil has always been said to be a dangerous score despite what game you play, and it proved to be that for Spalding. Pelicans rolled up their sleeves and pushed forward giving the Spalding side a real fright. And the spectators were treated to twenty-five minutes of a rollercoaster ride when Pelicans pulled a goal back after Spalding’s line was finally breached following a short corner.

Goalkeeper Steve Thurlbourne was in fine form making a series of saves but some frankly incredible off the line clearances defensively saw Spalding somehow come through that period.

James Booth made two magnificent goal line clearances after Steve Thurlbourne had been finally beaten. The width of the post also helped Spalding after the ball was deflected onto the post and out from a short corner shot.

Pelicans had the ball in the back of the goal twice, but both were correctly ruled out with James Booth nearly heading a cross ball before that converted whilst a short corner shot was too high on the first shot.

Spalding kept going and created several chances of their own. Clive Sheridan being closest with a shot that went the wrong side of the left-hand post.

With two minutes of the game left, Pelicans were awarded another short corner. The fierce shot was initially saved by Andy Barlow on the line but the ball fell to another forward. The follow up shot was also deflected wide by the Spalding skipper and three points were in the bag.

Overall, it was a magnificent team performance with everyone without fail contributing to the win. Hard work and determination won the game along with some sumptuous hockey. It was impressive to see the Spalding youngsters play some super, intelligent yet simple passing hockey and the side is starting to really come together.

The next test is against City of Peterborough 7ths who are ahead by one point in the table. Thanks go to Chris Dodd & Tom Pilgrim for umpiring who did an excellent job.

Final thanks also go to Eddy Sawyer, Paul Pearson (making a hugely welcome return to the pitch) and James Morris (who had unselfishly given up his place in the side for Sam Willerton) for managing on the day, doing a superb job.