Spalding Edge out a spirited Bourne Deeping performance

Tough result

Bourne Deeping mens 3's against promotion candidates Spalding 2's was a fixture with some anticipation. Mainly due to the mauling given by Spalding in Bourne Deeping's away fixture earlier in the season, but it turned out to be a tight affair.

Spalding arrived a with a strong unit for the game, local derbies can attract such squads, but Bourne Deeping had out together a useful side as well and it turned out to be a tight contest. Whilst the first half was goalless there was much quality hockey to watch and a competitive match up across the field. Both defences were kept busy with Joe Wray pulling off a couple of great saves for Bourne Deeping and Tom Day and Ewan Howitt keeping the Spalding keeper on his toes. Ball retention was good through the likes of Chris Mann and Callum Howitt in the midfield and with Fergal Powell regularly overlapping on the flank at right back attacks were sustained throughout the period. Level at half time was a fair position.

The second half was much of the same, with players all over the pitch on both sides fully involved in what was a really close fixture. Spalding broke the deadlock with about 15 minutes to go, finally breaking down the Bourne Deeping defence of Mowbray, Thomas, Watts and Powell who had resisted such attacks thus far. Bourne Deeping kept going and again had changes to square the game, but couldn't get the finish that so much of the build up play had deserved. Two late goals soured the match and a 0-3 scoreline flattering to the opposition, but an excellent game full of top performances.