Cambridge South headed north into Lincolnshire for what was always going to be a tough game against a Spalding side who were relegated into Div 6NW last season. South's ranks were boosted by the inclusion of 1st teamers Rob Barton, Jon Taylor and Jon Tostevin.

From the whistle Spalding were obviously a better organised side and seemed to have a greater hunger for possession. However, this did not daunt the South defence which was led by Andrew Leonard and featured Rob Barton in the unfamiliar position of sweeper. South gave an excellent defensive display throughout the first half and continually frustrated the home side. Andrew Pounce and Daniel Raffle, on either side, made solid tackles and received good support from the midfield, especially David Bridge on the left, showing that defending with the whole team from the front was an effective strategy.

Spalding won a number of penalty corners through the half and, although a number were well struck, they were all cleared by keeper Will Benedikz and the defenders, including one deftly turned around the post by Rob Barton.

Spalding were far from having things their own way and South were constantly on the counter attack. South showed good variety by working the ball both down the wings through David Bridge and Ali Blake, making his first start of the season, and directly through the centre of the pitch via Jameses Bridge and Pope.

Up front, Jon Taylor provided a deep link between the midfield and the ever-active Wilco Dijkstra at centre forward. Jon was instrumental in winning three or four penalty corners for South. These were taken quickly but the Spalding defence were very quick off the line and, like their opponents, managed to prevent a clear chances being created.

The second half started badly for South. A tactical change round brought Jon Tostevin into the defence and pushed Rob Barton back to familiar territory, whilst David Bridge dropped back and swapped with Daniel Raffle at left back. Far from settling the side these changes disrupted things and almost immediately from the restart Spalding took advantage of the disorder to sweep through for their first goal. The second followed minutes later from a well-struck short corner into the bottom right of the goal.

At 2-0 down South were pushing hard for goals. This allowed Spalding the luxury of defending in numbers and counter-attacking when possible. Their keeper played well throughout the game and made a number of good saves to deny the South forwards. Spalding continued to counter attack in numbers on the break and always looked dangerous, forcing Will Benedikz to make a number of saves. Jon Tostevin was required to make at least one tackle after a Spalding player had rounded the keeper.

In the central period of the half further changes to the side, driven by fatigue, left Ali Blake as an isolated centre forward and Wilco Dijkstra dropping almost into the midfield. South began to get back into the game and put up a greater fight for the ball. However, having just one forward meant their options in attack were limited despite good build-up play.

In the final ten minutes South were pushing forward harder and leaving their defence exposed. Spalding took advantage to break in numbers and scored twice more; once in open play and the second from another penalty corner.

At the final whistle the more consistent team had won but South were by no means embarrassed by their solid team performance.

The result was disappointing although much of the play through the game, especially the first half, was very encouraging with the team settling down to work together and defending strongly. The return of a number of players next week will help this and, despite the score, the game is another positive step for the team.

Thanks to those who doubled up and Chris Massey for umpiring.