Report: 1st XI Men vs Newmarket 1s – January 31, 2026
A Magnificent Seven……
On a fine Saturday afternoon, just three games into the second half of the season, Spalding returned home to Glen Park to host Newmarket 1’s.
Looking to cement their strong winning streak throughout the season so far. Spalding looked to gain the advantage early, however, facing stiff opposition, the home team struggled to get out of first gear.
Newmarket quickly capitalised on this, after a professional foul from Mapplethorpe saw him receive a green and five minute sin-bin. Spalding were left at a disadvantage with 10 men. The away team quickly capitalised on this scoring in the 13th minute to make it 1-0.
Spalding being winded looked to push back, with Jacob baker missing a strong contender for miss of the season, after beating the keeper, to then let the pressure get to him. Thankfully this was quickly turned around with both Jacob Bakker and Will Baker making a big difference with two superb strikes to make it 2-1 to Spalding at half time with two close goals.
The second half started better Spalding coming out the blocks strong, after tough truths from the captain Howitt and coach Stuart. Dorey scoring in the 39th minute and Jacob Baker in the 49th (4-1) to put Newmarket on the ropes.
Newmarket now looking to defend in depth, created plenty of further space for Spalding to become creative, after a strong passage of play Walsh, fired the ball to Grant who was through on goal. This opportunity was however almost squandered by a mistimed shot, and if not for Azzopardi, who was quietly sitting on the opposition’s post, the ball would not have been neatly swept into the back of the net (5-1). Grant then finally redeemed his mistake, by pouncing on a strong shot during an attaching phase to push both the ball and goalie deep into their own net (6-1).
Finally in the 68th minute Azzopardi gained his second, being the closest player to quickly seize and opposition mistake making the final score 7-1 to the mighty Maroons and a good effort for a tough day.
Next week Spalding face, a strong opposition in St Ives at Home. A game Spalding will certainly be hoping to bring the ability and more from today game.