Report: Badgers 2025/26 vs Louth Badgers – November 16, 2025

Spalding Badgers faced Louth Badgers in a particularly good test for the new side that had been formed at the start of the season. And despite only a limited time together, the side played extremely well against good opponents and there were obvious signs that they are starting to develop an understanding. The Badgers welcomed Oliver for his first ever eleven-a-side and the youngster had an excellent debut playing with assurance.

With the game split into quarters, Spalding started off well with a number of good moves. Si, Martins, Will & Isaac worked tirelessly in midfield creating half-chances. Louth came back into the game but defensively Spalding were strong with Roberts, Aras and Stan superbly marking and making crucial tackles to prevent the home side from breaking through.

Spalding opened the scoring when Will placed the ball home with a precise finish from a short corner routine after another excellent move including Isaac, senior John, Oliver & Phoenix at the end of the first period.

The second quarter was similar but there were more clear-cut chances. Martins was unlucky not to score with some great saves by the Louth goalkeeper after more good movement of the ball whilst Ross in goal, made two fabulous saves including a one on one that saw him clear the ball, and the player in the process!!

The third quarter saw Spalding do what they did against Alford and have no outfield senior players, and the young side were magnificent. Alex, despite still suffering the effects of illness, led the team by example and was excellent at centre back breaking up a series of attacks and making crucial clearances.

And they scored their second goal after another flowing move that saw Will score his second of the game with a well-placed finish into the bottom left hand corner.

The fourth quarter was a real end to end affair. Ethan and MOM Phoenix were excellent as attackers and Ethan was inches away from his first ever full side pitch goal but for another great save from the Louth goalkeeper. But again, the play to get up there was excellent as the young side started to understand how to move the ball into space and you could see the progression of this during the match.

Louth scored a consolation goal with a short corner shot of their own that was well worked but as that was the last action of the game, Spalding took home the win.

An excellent performance overall and captain Andy was impressed with how well the side has improved compared to the prior game. The attitude was second to none and a lot of positives came from the game.

The next game is against Newark in a week’s time, in another game that could be tough however the side go into that game with a plenty of confidence and belief.