Revenge was on the minds of Cambridge South 3rds, sponsored by PwC, against the team who inflicted the worst defeat of the season on them before Christmas. Unfortunately this didn’t help in the first 10 minutes as Spalding had the best of the play. Luckily the home team held together, and there was little threat of conceding a goal, due to the new DeanFleckRichies defensive combination. Gradually CSouth got the upper hand, confirmed by a sweet opening goal as John Greaves' layoff presented Andy Lewis with the chance to take the lead with a decisive shot after a multi pass move. Spalding equalised against the run of play, as the defenders on the line were unsighted (they said) and couldn’t prevent a flick shot going up into the net.

CSouth moved up a gear after half time, and two terrific Rupert Espley goals sealed the match. Although in the first half the (many) short corners all resulted in a shot, these had been blocked. Smarter tactics now led to Andy Lewis slipping the ball across to Espley, to flick deftly over the keeper for his first, and get his second as a well worked Paul South effort cannoned back from the bar for Espley to slot in to the net from a Greaves-esque close range. Paul South got onto the scoresheet himself just before the end, taking a Lewis pass in his stride and shooting firmly into goal from distance.

There were other chances, and the team as whole gelled well, having developed in the last few games, learning to use the whole pitch, pass smartly and early, and support one another - particularly the WallerHarperDijkstra central midfield, although everyone played their role well.

This was a comprehensive victory over promotion rivals, played in an excellent spirit, and kept CSouth at the top of 6NW