Report: 4th XI Men vs Newmarket 3s – March 21, 2026

Spalding fourths entertained Newmarket thirds in an end of season encounter that saw the home side come back from a goal down to end the season on a winning note. The fourths were magnificent as they worked their collective socks off during the game whilst keeping a hugely positive spirit, and that combination ultimately got them over the line with three points against a talented and well drilled Newmarket side.

With Spalding fielding eight U16 players against Newmarket’s senior team including two debutants, it was always going to be a tough game and Newmarket started strongly keeping possession well and moving the ball well. Spalding did keep strong but fell behind with the faintest of touches from a stick from a fierce pass into the D past an unsighted James Booth in goal who had no chance with the ball going in the bottom right-hand corner.

That galvanised the Spalding team and they started to shine. They forced a series of short corners before the best move of the game saw Elliott Ashton find Will Clark with acres of space in the left-hand side of the D. With a brilliant rising strike, the ball was past the Newmarket goalkeeper before there was any chance to move and Spalding were level and deservedly so as they had really got themselves into the game.

The second half, Newmarket dominated possession and really turned the screw. But the tenacity of the Spalding team was there as the side knew they could get something out of the game. And they took the lead against the run of play when Elliott Ashton ran at the defence, beat at least four players before calmly placing the ball into the goal for a fantastic individual goal.

Newmarket went up another gear but simply could not get past a resolute Spalding side who in turn had upped their defensive game. James Giles marshalled his defence perfectly with John Clark solid at right and debutant Simon Blake having a great game at left back. Goalkeeper James Booth was equal to anything and was unbeatable. Sam Willerton & Andy Barlow patrolled the centre midfield and kept the breaks at the minimum whilst Isaac Davidson and Alex Myland on the flanks provided superb cover with intelligent play and non-stop hard running. Matthew Dorsett also had another excellent game with great passing and running off the ball.

Spalding kept their nerve and their shape and ended the game on the attack that eliminated any chance of Newmarket getting a share of the spoils. It could be said that Spalding were unlucky not to extend their lead when Will Clark and Elliott Ashton combined as they had in the first half, but this time the shot was well saved by the Newmarket goalkeeper.

The game ended 2-1 in Spalding’s favour and the work rate, positive attitude, and play shone through, especially in the second half. There were a lot of tired legs that came off the pitch, showing the huge effort that was put in. A brilliant performance against a good team.

Special mention goes to the junior debutants as well to Ethan Loasby, who had an excellent game up front with intelligent runs and nearly came away from the match with a debut goal. Charlie Poulter had a superb game and worked extremely well on the left flank gaining the man of the match award as a result for his hard work, great control and passing.

Thanks go to Matt Pilgrim and Chris Dodd for umpiring.