Report: Badgers 2025/26 vs Newark Badgers – November 23, 2025

The Badgers travelled to Newark for their next friendly and came away with another good victory against excellent hosts who themselves played great hockey in a fantastic friendly spirit.

Spalding started well and the progression made by the side from the Louth game was clear to see as the side had two debutante goalscorers for the development side. And these two combined brilliantly for the opening goal of the game.

After good work in midfield from Will and Isaac, the ball fell nicely to Ethan on the right-hand side. He strode purposely up field and picked the perfect pass to Si, for his first goal for the club, who had come in with perfect timing who shot home to give the away side the lead.

It got better for the travelling ten as they doubled their advantage in a carbon copy of the opening goal, this time Si converting well from Will’s cross.

The second quarter saw Spalding play with ten players with Newark kindly guesting with a spare player as Andy assumed the whistle to make the game fairer. And Newark scored two great goals of their own to make the scores even despite the best efforts of Aris, Alex & Stan at the back with Ross in goal not having a chance. But the next two quarters saw Spalding improve again and take another step forward.

Will scored the third with a well taken goal and the youngsters really started to understand how the game was played. With John helping the midfield and forward line with wise words and support, confidence was flowing. However, the game was ebbing and flowing and defensively Spalding were strong. Stan made a number of fantastic tackles and showed his understanding of the game with key interceptions in the process and distributed the ball well. Aris started to make fantastic tackles and improved and improved during the game.

But mention must also go to goalkeeper Ross who has started to flourish and made several stupendous saves preventing certain goals, including a reaction save at his near post that confounded everyone on the pitch.

But another mention goes to MOM Ethan who ‘scored’ his first goal for the club. Yes, to be fair the guest Newark player tucked it away however we can say it is an own goal. As own goals do not count, well done Ethan who had a fantastic game and has improved quickly in a short space of time. You will get a ‘proper’ goal!

The ‘senior’ juniors also did their bit (remembering that they are only in the second season proper at 11-a-side). Isaac and Will in midfield worked hard encouraging the midfield/forward line, and Alex at the back was solid and talked to his defence and goalkeeper well.

So, all in all, a good day and thank you to Newark for hosting so well. There will be another game against our Nottinghamshire friends and with the next game a December Christmas gathering against Walking Hockey, the Badger season is starting to gather pace.