Cambridge South Men's 3rds played their opening league fixture against Spalding 4ths on Saturday. Cambridge South started positively, applying most of the early pressure, only for a breakaway attack by Spalding to bring the first goal against the run of play.

Cambridge South responded positively, with excellent work from Tom Moy and Wilco Dijkstra in midfield and running by Tristen Knight in attack. South's pressure was rewarded when Tristen equalised with an excellent strike from an acute angle near the touchline.

The match was a close fought affair, with Cambridge South having more possession but Spalding looking dangerous on the break. Such a break brought another goal from Spalding, when a cross from the byline was unfortunately deflected into the South goal off South's keeper. South once more raised their game to level the score, Tristen scoring his second, this time with a fierce low strike from the top of the D through a crowded area, for the teams to go in level at half time [CSHC 2-2 Spalding].

The second half started well for South, with a well worked short corner bringing Tristen's hat trick, and putting South ahead for the first time in the game. The remainder of the second half was as closely fought as the first, with generally superior South possession threatened by the pace and running of Spalding on the break.

As legs tired, credit goes to sweeper Phil Le Gouais, who literally bled in the cause, and Chris Clegg, for untiring running covering his own position and more besides. Unfortunately, a season-opening South victory was prevented when a wickedly undercut Spalding strike flew past the ear of South's keeper, Lino Di Lorenzo.

Overall, a very close contest with never more than goal in it. South can take great credit from the performance, with dedication and good passing throughout the team. More of the same should see a secure league position come the end of the season.