Cheered on by vocal supporters Cambridge South overcame a talented Spalding side in a tight and vigorously contested match at the Abbey.

Spalding came closest to scoring in the opening exchanges. A quick break coupled with slick passing created a sharp chance for a man unmarked beyond the left-hand post. Fortunately for South he could only hit the side netting with the goal at his mercy. This served as a wake-up call and, after some surprising angry shouts at each other, South started to get a grip on the game.

Bhavdeep Virdi, John Hawkes and Mark Williams began breaking up neat Spalding triangles, relieving the pressure. The deadlock was finally broken midway through the first half. Noticing that the Spalding defence was high, Tom Watson slipped the ball into the space behind for Russell Johnson to run onto. Out-pacing the recovering defenders, Russell flicked the ball passed the keeper’s left foot.

This set back only seemed to spur Spalding on. South’s tackling became more desperate as Spalding pressed harder seeking an equaliser. After the match Jack Chalk owned up to being “one member of a 4 man stick-tacking effort!” (I think you mean well timed and clean tacking - Ed.) With the pressure building a Spalding equaliser might have been deserved. In fact it seemed inevitable when Spalding finally managed to flick a shot passed Steve Parker - only to see Finn Johnson nonchalantly pluck the ball out of the air and clear to safety. The pressure and tense atmosphere clearly started to get to South with more bitter words exchanged between South players as the home side struggled to preserve their lead.

After the interval, South reorganised with Chris Graveling bringing experience and a calming influence to South’s play. The defence of George Wych, Dave Aston, Eliot Read and Finn Johnson was seeming more secure allowing South’ s midfield to press forward. On the right Jack combined well South’s forwards and, on his South debut, Tom Howell was linking well with South’s regulars.

South started to take a grip on the match as the half wore on. Tom Watson was unlucky not to increase the lead after a quick hit outside the D finished with Tom’s deflected shot looping into the goal - milliseconds after the umpire’s whistle was blown. This only seemed to spur Jon on. He opened up his box of tricks to produce a glorious ariel to release Graham McCulloch, a move that could have put South further ahead. Next out of Jon’s box was the reverse stick shot from the top of the D which cannoned into the backboard. 2-0! Not to be outdone Graham latched onto a probing pass, ghosted passed his marker, and sweetly nestled his shot inside the left hand post. With the points secure South rode out the last couple of minutes without drama.

After the match South’s Captain applauded the team’s commitment and passing which was visibly shaper then recent games.

A special thank you to all those that gave up their Saturday afternoon to support us for this vital game. It was really appreciated!