Cambridge South 2's set out on a very blustery early afternoon for what was expected to be a difficult match Spalding 2nd XI.

Despite having a strong side on paper, things looked bleak at the outset when sweeper Nick Bristowe called in sick, and South's strongest opponent of the season, the A14 traffic, again displayed its true form by holding up keeper Shabhaz Ali on his way from the 3rds match.

However, all 12 players arrived in time for the start of what would be a very scrappy match. After the initial early exchanges, Spalding took the lead when a move down their left was cut back to be swept past Shabhaz's dive at the near post.

The opposition goal however sparked South into life. Chances came and went, including a fine save from the Spalding keeper when faced with a one-on one against Graham McCulloch. South were finishing the first half the stronger of the two teams, and it was no surprise when South equalised. A ball was slipped to new signing Ally Ward on the left in the opposition area, who finished with aplomb past the keeper at the near post to put South level at the break.

At half time, captain Dave Aston was preparing himself for a Caesar-like rally of his troops to send them out for the second half. However, a selfish hurricane ruined this potential life-changing moment, and sent Dave's well-prepared notes scattering across the pitch.

South re-emerged for the second half hoping to be re-energised by the goal, but it was Spalding who re-started the stronger. The opposition had a lot of the ball in the South half, but some fine tackling from the defensive four ensured that Spalding were only limited to half chances. When the opposition did break through South's back line, a fine save from Shabhaz Ali at his near post ensured the scores remained level at 1-1.

Up the other end, as the half progressed, South's forward play and aggression (most notably from Bhav Virdee!) certainly unsettled the opposition. A few crosses from Bhav and Kev into the opposition D created havoc, and a strong Monckasaurus shot from a short corner was deflected wide by a defensive stick.

Into the last five minutes, and South were still causing problems for the opposition defence. From a long corner, the ball found its way to Matt “the engine” Readman on the left hand side of the D. Matt did the rest. A fine swept finish into the top right corner sent South ecstatic. South still needed to hang on for the last 5 minutes, but they defended heroically, and came away with a 2-1 victory. Once again, all the team worked their socks off to win a very tough match. This leaves South with 6 points from 2 games, a fantastic start to life in Division 4NW!