ANSWERS are being sought over future intentions for a controversial bus shelter in Holbeach.

Campaigning passengers have called for a bigger shelter to be installed on the High Street, near to the Horse and Groom pub, but a nearby resident claims the increased bus traffic is damaging their home.

However, Holbeach Parish Council was unable to shed any light on the issue when it was brought to them on Monday because the shelter belongs to Lincolnshire County Council’s highways department.

Raising the issue in the council’s public forum, resident Mark Sanderson said the micro shelter was not “doing any favours” for the aesthetics of the nearby homes, which are listed buildings.

He said he was told the shelter was there for a trial period but he has since been unable to get any further information.

“You have got to think about the damage being done to the properties,” said Mr Sanderson. “The damage is recent damage – the steps are crumbling.

“It’s not from people sitting on the steps, it’s from the buses.”

Mr Sanderson told the council he appreciated it was a highways decision, but said there was “nothing wrong” with where the bus stop was originally.

The council was also handed a petition with more than 100 signatures from passengers of the 505 Norfolk Green service, who would like a bigger shelter. No campaigners spoke on the issue.

Parish council chairman Rita Rudkin suggested a letter be written to highways officers, adding: “Our main question will be if it was only an experimental thing why is it still there?”

VILLAGERS who feared Whaplode’s iconic Whapplehog statue had been stolen have been reassured it’s in safe hands.

The bronze pot-bellied pig vanished with no explanation from the centre of Whaplode three weeks ago.

Concerns were raised that the 700lb artwork had been taken for its scrap value, like more high-profile sculptures elsewhere.

In fact a scrap metal crime nearer to home prompted its removal by Stan Hoyes, the retired farmer who commissioned it for the village in the 1990s.

Whaplode parish councillors are “disappointed” that Mr Hoyes didn’t consult them before taking it down, as they have been negotiating with him in a bid to secure its long-term future.

It was going to have to be moved to make way for a development of affordable homes but the hope was to keep it in the village as the star of a sculpture trail which brings visitors to Whaplode.

Mr Hoyes said: “I took it down and have it safely in store.

“I’ve been on a knife-edge about the insurance because there have been a lot of thefts around here – most specifically a near-miss when thieves cut through and tried to drag the village telephone cable out with a vehicle after Christmas.

“I put it on its site in the centre for the benefit of the village. It was the second sculpture I commissioned for Whaplode from the sculptor Greg Lock.

“It’s not safe to put it back, I don’t know what to do with it. I might sell it.”

The Whapplehog was unveiled in 1997 and named by the village pre-school and nursery. It was described on its plinth as “sponsored by Stan Hoyes.”

Richard Barlow is the parish councillor in charge of establishing ownership of all Whaplode and Saracen’s Head sculptures.

He said: “We’re disappointed that Stan has removed the Whapplehog without consulting anyone. We were negotiating in the hope that it could be resited and that arrangements can be made to maintain and insure all the sculptures. They’re a valuable asset to the village.”

FURTHER planning applications have been submitted to South Holland District Council for the £830,000 marina due to be built this year at Sutton Bridge.

Lincolnshire County Council is seeking consent for ancillary matters, including building materials to be used and the parking layout, to pave the way for a July start.

South Holland District Council gave the go ahead for the marina on West Bank in December 2010.

Some £400,000 of the overall cost is to be met by Section 106 money from the power station fund managed by South Holland District Council and £300,000 will come from the LEADER funding initiative of the Rural Development Commission. A further £130,000 will come from the county council.

Work on the marina is due to be completed by December.

LANDLORDS are being driven to drastic action to keep their pubs afloat as drinkers shun a night out in favour of staying home.

One town centre pub owner believes some could even be driven to break the law by turning a blind eye to underage drinkers as the money young people spend behind the bar can be the difference between life or death for their business.

Although he does not condone what she did, Pete Williams, of the Punchbowl, New Road, says he can understand why Royal Mail Cart landlady Sue Stoker sold alcohol to youngsters she knew to be underage and coached them on what to do if police approached them – resulting in the Spalding pub losing its licence last month.

It was given 21 days to appeal – which ends today.

Mr Williams said: “I can’t condone what she did but a lot of landlords – myself included – have been in that situation and there should be some sympathy that someone who has been in the trade as long as she has has been forced to do that as a way to survive.

“We are literally tearing our hair out and we don’t know what to do to get people into the pubs.”

He explained that recently his brewery has put the price he pays for beer up by 4.5 per cent, or 12/13p a pint, which he should pass on as a 20p increase to customers.

But Mr Williams said he hasn’t done so yet as he fears it will drive even more customers away.

He said: “I can’t afford to put prices up that much, but then I can’t afford not to either.

“As landlords we often put on a happy front to our customers that our pub is the place to come for a party on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, but I know that although we do get busy at the weekends I am still struggling to pay the bills.

“Basically we are still making the same amount of money we were 14 years ago, but the price of beer has doubled.

“People just haven’t got the money in their pocket so they only go out for a special occasion.

“I don’t want to be the voice of doom and gloom but we have already seen a lot of pubs close but these are difficult times and we are going to see an awful lot more having to shut.”

BUDDING horticulturists at St Norbert’s School, Spalding are thrilled to have won first prize in a hyacinth growing contest, beating 21 other primary schools.

It was far from child’s play to get the bulbs they were given producing top quality blossoms to the exact timetable dictated by the Lingarden Cup contest, sponsored by Springfields Horticultural Society and the British Flower Bulb Association.

The best flowers produced for the competition are now on display in a border at Springfields Outlet Shopping and Festival Gardens.

Runners-up were St Nicholas Primary School, Lutton (second prize) and Gosberton House School (third).

Springfields Horticultural Society supplied bulbs and growing materials free to schools.

THE Johnny Cash Roadshow arrives at the South Holland Centre in Spalding on Wednesday.

Singer-songwriter Clive John, with The Spirit Band, recreates the essence of what it was like to be at a real Cash show featuring Jill Schoonjans as June Carter.

All aspects of Cash’s life are covered taking the audience from the 1950s right up to 2002 and all the stops in between. All the greatest hits are included – Ring of Fire, Walk the Line as well as the Johnny and June duets Jackson and If I Were a Carpenter.

There will also be American whiskey sampling in the bar on the night.

The show starts at 7.30pm with tickets priced at £17.50, £16.50 for concessions. Call 01775 764777 or visit www.southhollandcentre.co.uk for more information.

MOULTON could be a step closer to getting a long-awaited and hard fought for play area.

A public meeting will be held in the village on Tuesday outlining plans to build on privately-owned Moulton Park.

But the owner has indicated that part of the plans include providing a public play area.

Rumours have surrounded local businessman Howard King’s plans for the site which he owns – with some fearing up to 350 homes could be on the cards.

So Mr King has decided to go public and hold the meeting to allay fears.

He is hoping to get residents’ feedback on what he hopes will be a single “grand” house on the park, which he could then choose to live in with his family.

The meeting will be held at the Rainbow Room, Moulton Community Centre from 5.45pm to 7.45pm.

Adrian Brotherton, speaking on Mr King’s behalf, said: “We are hoping this will come as a nice surprise for those people who were expecting a huge housing development.

“We just want to give residents in Moulton the chance to have their say and give us some feedback on the plans.”

But one Moulton resident believes people could still object because of the “sensitivity” surrounding building on green space.

Former parish councillor Ted Malkin, who worked hard to secure a play area for the village, said: “I would welcome anything that brings a play area to the village but there is lots of sensitivity around development on the park.

“I know that Mr King had approached the parish council with plans for a grand home tucked into one corner in the past.

“If it is the same one I would not have an issue with it, but I am sure some people will have.

“People are quite touchy about it, but I don’t really understand why because apart from a glimpse people can’t enjoy it – it’s just a big green area on the edge of the village that no-one has access to.

“Mr King owns the land so why shouldn’t he build himself a nice house? And if that means we get a play area, that would be great.”

JUST a few seats remain for Spalding Round Table’s annual boxing event.

Guest speaker is former world light-heavyweight champion John Conteh.

The black tie event is at Springfields Exhibition Centre, Spalding, on Saturday, February 25, from 6.30pm. It features ten bouts between Police and Community Boxing Association and Royal Marines.

There will a three-course meal, followed by an auction of boxing memorabilia.

Organiser Tom Wright, of Spalding Round Table, said: “We want the event to be as successful as last year in raising funds for local charities and good causes, as well as providing an excellent night of entertainment.”

Seats are £60 each. Call 01775 823016.

LINCOLNSHIRE Police have issued a warning after reports of men of “Mediterranean appearance” asking people for money.

Reports have been received from members of the public in the Holbeach, Boston, Spalding and Bourne areas of “Mediterranean” men approaching them asking for cash.

The men are asking for petrol money to get them to an airport or London (£40 to £50) in return for jackets or watches.

A police spokesman told the Free Press this afternoon (Saturday): “Have you been approached by one of these males?

“Can you give us details of the cars in which they are travelling in?

“If you have or can give us any further intelligence then please ring 101 to give us that vital piece of information that will enable us to locate the whereabouts of these males.

“If you are approached, please do not enter into any discussions but simply walk away or enter a local shop if possible.

“If you are located in a vehicle, please ensure that you keep all doors locked and windows closed for your own safety.”

Ring Lincolnshire Police on 101 any time or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

SPALDING Garth School pupil Joshua Holmes (3) is too poorly to say “mum” or talk at all.

But he is the apple of his mum’s eye and has a smile that melts hearts.

Single mum Aimee Holmes (27), of Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge, and her family and friends have spent hundreds of pounds on equipment to make life more comfortable for Joshua.

But the going is tough for Aimee, a full-time carer on benefits, so we have given £300 from The Lincolnshire Free Press Children’s Fund to kick-start her £1,200 appeal to buy a specially adapted shed that can house Joshua’s soft play ball pool and other sensory equipment.

Joshua has severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy – a condition affecting all four limbs – and is fed through a tube in his tummy.

Aimee said: “Joshua is unable to sit, crawl, walk or talk and is fed via a gastrostomy tube.

“He has severe global development delay and attends the Garth special needs school two days a week.

“Through all his problems Joshua has the most amazing smile and he melts the hearts of everyone he meets.

“During the three years so far we have had to self-fund many items of equipment which are not funded by authorities, but which make a huge difference to his life.

“So far we have funded a special trike, a swing seat, a bubble tube and fibre optic lights, a specialised seat and, most recently, a soft play ball pool and many other expensive special needs toys.”

Family and friends have bought everything so far, but Aimee has asked us – and our readers – to help with the shed project.

As well as buying a 15ftx10ft shed, the family must fit it out with insulation, carpeting, power and heating so Joshua and Aimee can spend at least two hours inside it each day.

Aimee’s dad, David, has volunteered to fit out the shed.

Aimee also has sons Jake (9), who has attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder, and Oliver (5).

l If you can help, please donate to The Lincolnshire Free Press Children’s Fund – marking cheques ‘Joshua Appeal’ on the back – and send them to us at Priory House, Spalding, PE11 1AB.

MOTORISTS are being warned to be on guard following another spate of catalytic converter thefts in South Holland.

Officers had reports of six thefts in a week from Holbeach, Whaplode, Weston and Moulton.

The vehicles targeted were:

l A Land Rover Freelander on Middle Road, Whaplode, on February 4-5;

l A Citroen Relay van on St Mary’s Close, Weston, between February 3-6;

l A Mitsubishi L200 on Wignal’s Gate, Holbeach, on February 3-4;

l A Land Rover Freelander on Broadgate, Weston Hills, on February 4-5;

l A Land Rover Freelander on Franklin Walk, Whaplode, on February 2-3;

l A Toyota Rav 4 on Tulip Fields, Whaplode, on February 4 between 2-9pm.

Owners can protect their vehicles at two free catalytic converter engraving sessions in Holbeach in the coming weeks.

The sessions will be held at Holbeach Tyres on Boston Road South on Wednesday, February 29, and Wednesday, March 14, from 1-4pm.

Anyone interested should take proof of ownership and their driving licence.

A car boot sale is being held at Billingborough Cricket Club in Horbling Road on Sunday, March 25.

For details and bookings call 07984 908234.

VILLAGERS will continue to be allowed to raise concerns at Moulton Parish Council meetings despite complaints of timewasting and animosity.

Councillors discussed whether or not to continue holding an open forum at which members of the public can speak before the council’s monthly meetings, prompted by a decision by Holbeach Parish Council to ask people to submit questions in advance.

Despite support for the forum by some councillors, others said they had been subject to “animosity” from villagers and felt it was a waste of their “precious time”.

Coun Byron Hahn said: “As councillors we are volunteers within the community and our time is precious. A lot of time is taken up by talk that is unnecessary.”

And Coun Paul Winn said: “I don’t mind being challenged but as a newcomer I have felt a certain amount of animosity between the public and the council.”

Members discussed the possibility of asking residents to submit their questions beforehand, but eventually decided to continue with the open forum, with chairman Lawrence Wakefield using his vote to carry a proposal put forward by Coun Eddy Poll.

Earlier in the meeting Coun Poll had suggested the council needed to rebuild a relationship of trust with residents after mistakes were made that led to around £61,500 going unclaimed in VAT.

A member of the public questioned figures included on the agenda for the final salary for clerk Geoff Barham, who is leaving at the end of the month.

The question prompted an angry response from Coun Hahn, who said: “Residents have elected us and as such have put their trust in us and I don’t think it’s within our role to have to explain everything we do.

“Somewhere residents have to put their trust in us and if you have a complaint to make that a specific person or the council has made a grave error could I suggest you put it in writing.” Coun Wakefield said the figures had been approved by the auditor.

Coun Poll said: “I think the difficult thing is that the parish is worried about the discrepancy in our book-keeping.

“I think the criticism is justified and arguing about why people are questioning us on figures is no way to build relationships.

“We made a mistake this time and ought to put our hands up and try to regain their trust.”

l Mail for the council should be sent to chairman Lawrence Wakefield at Holly Tree Farm, Moulton Eaugate, Spalding, Lincs PE12 OSZ, until a new clerk is appointed.

Members agreed a professional evaluation of the clerk’s role should be carried out before the vacancy is advertised.

A STIRRING comeback saw ten-man Spalding United beat Newport Pagnell 2-1 in the UCL Premier Division on Saturday, while Holbeach United won 2-1 at Yaxley and Deeping Rangers saw off Wellingborough Town 2-0.

In what was Pat Rayment’s first home game as Spalding boss, he saw his side fall behind inside two minutes when Dom Masala rounded Nick Conroy to tap home.

That’s how it stayed up until the 51st minute, when Ricky Miller fired home the first goal of his second stint at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field to level matters.

Josh Ford was given a harsh red card moments later, but Spalding steadied the ship and grabbed a superb winner through Tom James after an excellent Dan French pass.

The victory is Rayment’s first as Tulips boss – and is one of their best of the season to date.

Elsewhere, deadly duo Ash Stevens and Andrew Tidswell fired Holbeach to a comeback win of their own at Leading Drove.

Yaxley raced into an early lead, but the attack duo struck before half time to keep John Chand’s charges third in the standings.

Also winners were Deeping, who made light work of Wellingborough at the Dog and Duck. Matty Evans’ second goal of the week put Tuncay Korkmaz’s men ahead early on, before Kev Gilbert wrapped up the points late on.

Down in UCL Division One, Bourne Town’s unbeaten start to 2012 was ended at Raunds Town. The Wakes went down 3-1, Alex Brockbank their scorer.

Meanwhile, Pinchbeck suffered Lincs Junior Cup semi-final heartbreak for the second year on the spin as they went down 2-1 at unfancied Market Rasen. Player/boss Ian Dunn grabbed their goal.

In the Peterborough and District League Premier Division, Moulton Harrox eased to a 3-0 derby win over Crowland Town at Broad Lane.

Bobby Patterson, Steve Mastin and Tom Panton struck the decisive goals.

Deeping Rangers Reserves were beaten 3-1 by title hopefuls Eye Sports, Tom Waumsley getting their solitary strike.

See Tuesday’s Lincolnshire Free Press for more on the weekend football.

RESULTS (Saturday, February 18)

ChromaSport & Trophies UCL: Premier Division – Daventry United 1 Blackstones 3; Long Buckby 3 AFC Kempston Rovers 1; Northampton Spencer 3 Thrapston Town 3; Sleaford Town 1 Irchester United 0; Spalding United 2 Newport Pagnell Town 1; Wellingborough Town 0 Deeping Rangers 2; Yaxley 1 Holbeach United 2.

• UCL League Cup: Quarter-final – King’s Lynn Town 5 Cogenhoe Utd 3.

• Division One – Burton Park Wanderers 0 Northampton ON Chenecks 2; Harborough Town 7 Wootton Blue Cross 0; Olney Town 0 Huntingdon Town 1; Raunds Town 3 Bourne Town 1; Rothwell Corinthians 0 Bugbrooke St Michaels 5; Rothwell Town 3 Potton United 6.

• FA Vase: Round five – St Ives Town 4 Gresley 0; Tividale 0 Peterborough NS 2 (AET).

ChromaSport & Trophies Peterborough & District League: Premier Division – Alconbury 1 Uppingham Town 4; Deeping Rangers Res 1 Eye Sports 3; Moulton Harrox 3 Crowland Town 0; Oakham United 3 Parson Drove 6; Peterborough Sports Parkway 2 Coates Athletic 4; Ramsey Town 5 Oundle Town 1; Whittlesey United 2 Leverington Sports 1. Division One – Long Sutton Athletic 3 Sawtry 1; Netherton United Reserves 0 Langtoft United 0; Riverside Rovers Senior 4 Peterborough FC Inter 1; Stilton United 4 Holbeach Utd Reserves 3; Thorney 1 Ketton 1; Warboys Town FC 2 Hampton Sports 2. Division Two – Eye Sports & Social Res 1 Castor & Ailsworth 1; Gedney Hill 4 Parkside 1; Hartford Sun FC 7 Oakham United Reserves 1; Peterborough Rovers 1 Sutton Bridge United 2; Woodston 3 Pinchbeck Utd Res 1. Division Three – Oundle Town Reserves 2 Alconbury Res 2; Uppingham Town Res 0 Whittlesey United Res 2. Division Four – Netherton United A 5 Stilton United Reserves 0; Stamford Belve Res 0 Peterborough Rovers Reserves 6. Division Five – Leverington Sports A 2 Sutton Bridge United Reserves 1; Parkway Eagles 3 Warboys Town Reserves 2; Riverside Rovers Reserves 7 Oakham United A 1.

• PFA Junior Cup – Langtoft United Res 5 Crowland Town Res 0.

• PFA Minor Cup – Farcet United Reserves 4 Baston 1.

• Lincs Junior Cup: Semi-final – Market Rasen 2 Pinchbeck United 1.

Boston & District League: Premier Division – Old Leake 5 Skegness Town Reserves 0; Tavern Colts 6 Billinghay Athletic 2. Division One –

Billinghay Reserves 1 Benington 4; Holbeach Bank 0 Spalding Harriers 2; Sutterton 0 Boston United Community 11; Wainfleet United 8 Wyberton Reserves 1. Division Two – FC Kirton 7 Mareham United Reserves 2; Fosdyke 1 Tavern Colts Reserves 1; Park United 6 Coningsby Reserves 1;

Spalding Town Reserves 0 Pointon Reserves 6; Westside Rangers 1 Fishtoft Reserves 0; Wrangle United 5 Tydd St Mary 1. Division Three – Friskney 0 Fosdyke Reserves 3; Kirton Town Reserves 6 Pointon A 1; Old Doningtonians Reserves 3 FC Hammers 1; Spalding Harriers Reserves 3 Wainfleet United Reserves 1; Spilsby Town Reserves 6 Holbeach Bank Reserves 0.

• Barclays Brokers Willoughby Cup: Quarter-finals – Freiston 3 Kirton Town 2; Spilsby Town 4 Old Doningtonians 3 (AET); Woodhall Spa United 2 Coningsby 3; Wyberton 0 Fishtoft 4.

THE £200million deal for the world’s largest security group, G4S, to run some Lincolnshire Police services was officially signed on Wednesday.

G4S will build a two-storey police office and 30-cell custody suite – most likely at Nettleham, the county police headquarters – as well as run the force control room, town inquiry offices, ICT and other services.

More than half of the force’s 980 civilian staff will transfer to G4S.

The contract is the biggest of its kind ever offered by a UK police authority. Ten others are expected to follow suit.

Lincolnshire Police Authority chairman Coun Barry Young yesterday confirmed Nettleham as the likely site for the new police office and cell block, but said the whole of the estate, buildings and land, will be subject to a comprehensive review.

Last week a source close to police matters said Sutterton, or another site between Spalding and Boston, was being eyed for the new build.

HARCHESTER United and Magnet Tavern will contest the Spalding Sunday League’s KO Cup final this year.

The Division One duo – who are also odds-on to meet in the John Chappell Shield final too – recorded victories side-by-side at Monkshouse Lane Playing Field on Sunday.

Mark Lovelace fired Tavern to a narrow 1-0 success over Cowbit, while braces from Dominic Cridland and Adam Lester and a further effort from Liam Shinn fired Harchester to a 5-0 triumph against Fenway.

HOLE IN THE WALL 4

JUBILEE 2

WALL battled hard to take a deserved three points in this tough Division Two encounter.

They opened the scoring when Danny Roberts’ corner was headed on by Gavin Bailey and turned into the net by Mike Clarey.

The lead was doubled midway through the half when a superb passing move was finished off by Michael Kearns’ strike into the top corner.

Jubilee did pull one back just before half time direct from a free kick – and they had the better of the early exchanges at the beginning of the second half.

But it was Wall who struck next, extending their lead when Roberts latched onto a Kearns flick and superbly rounded the keeper before rolling the ball home from an acute angle.

Gutsy Jubilee then pulled another one back, before Hole secured the win when substitute Simon Jackson fired home from close range.

Peterborough & District League

WOODSTON 3

PINCHBECK UTD RES 1

MOHAMMED Sohail bagged a brace as Pinchbeck slumped to their seventh Division Two defeat of the season.

Woodston went ahead early on through Garrie Norman’s flicked header from a long throw.

But Pinchbeck were soon level when a sharp break from Ash Wilson saw him fire a low effort into the near post after his run stretched the home backline.

However, Woodston were back ahead when Sohail notched his first from a swift counter-attack.

Pinchbeck started the second half more positively, with Dickinson seeing his goal-bound strike tipped over, Butler having an effort cleared off the line and Wilson hitting the bar.

They were made to pay for the misses, as Sohail again used his pace to damaging effect, racing onto a clearance before lobbing home a delicate chip.

SPALDING’S Woolram Wygate is due to reopen to traffic on Monday after a six-week upgrade to the railway crossing.

The Network Rail project has involved bringing the crossing up to modern standards, including the replacement of the old gates with barriers.

Commissioning of the crossing is expected to be carried out this weekend before the road reopens.

Network Rail had come under fire for the length of the road closure, which followed hot on the heels of an earlier 12-week closure while junction improvements were carried out, but the company insists the work has been completed on schedule.

KEEPER Tech Football Coaching were delighted with the turnout at their latest fun day.

More than 20 children aged between three and six joined in with the fun football games, which included dribbling, tackling, shooting and passing.

Head coach Stewart England said: “This was the first fun day we’ve set up for this age group and we are very pleased at how it went. Children had lots of fun and performed really well. We will be hosting another at Easter.”

• Keeper Tech run weekly mini football session (ages 3-6) at the following venues: Bourne Abbey Church Hall (Monday 4pm-4.45pm); Holbeach Youth Centre (Friday, 4:45pm-5.30pm); Leaveslake Drove, West Pinchbeck (Saturdays 9.30am-10.15am). For more details call 07507 891197 or email info@keepertechfootballcoaching.co.uk

CITY OF PETERBOROUGH 4th 2 SPALDING 1st 3: DANNY Shardlow’s late winner lifted Spalding up to second in Division Three NW as they knocked off one of their chief title rivals.

The visitors started well as Keith Stennett opened the scoring from a short corner, but Peterborough were soon level from the same avenue.

Spalding regained the lead when Shardlow reacted quickest amid a goalmouth scramble, only for COP to equalise again before half time.

Although Spalding dominated much of the second period, their winner came two minutes from time when Shardlow deflected home a Glenn Perkins cross.

WISBECH 1st 9

LONG SUTTON 1st 2

SUTTON were given a masterclass in attacking hockey by their Premier B rivals on Saturday.

Ruthless Wisbech raced into an early two-goal lead, with Sutton struggling to retain possession. This allowed Wisbech to capitalise with their speed and accuracy and they scored twice to lead 4-0 at the break.

Despite losing their captain for dissent after five minutes, Sutton produced their best hockey of the game early in the second half and scored twice through Gary Hales and Danny Sisson.

But their hopes of a comeback were vanquished by a barrage of Wisbech goals and a red card to their returning skipper for stopping the ball above his shoulder.

Despite the efforts of man-of-the-match-match Nick Ellis, Wisbech finished with nine goals.

BLUEHARTS 1st 4

LONG SUTTON 1st 0

DESPITE the scoreline, Sutton gave a much-improved performance at the league leaders on Sunday.

After making a positive start, Sutton fell behind against a Blueharts side playing like a side determined to get promotion.

Sutton played some great stuff of their own, with noticeable performances from the returning Tom Baguley and stand-in right back Fred Whatling. Keeper Jacob Loweth made some fine stops, but Blueharts added three more after the break.

SPALDING 2nd 1

BOURNE/DEEPING 2nd 3

SPALDING’S Division Four NW promotion hopes took a hit after this derby loss.

With Phil Callow forced off after taking a ball to the face early on, Spalding had to make changes and soon found themselves 2-0 down.

Ed Hall pulled one back from a short corner, but in-form keeper Rob Callaby was beaten once more to seal Spalding’s fate.

LONG SUTTON 2nd 4

CITY OF PETERBOROUGH 5th 4

AN INSPIRED comeback helped Sutton bag a deserved draw.

Having lost the reverse fixture 9-1, Sutton started this game much brighter and led 2-1 at half-time thanks to a Ben Shore brace.

Two quick-fire goals after the break and superb short corner then turned the game on its head, as COP went 4-2 up.

However, man-of-the-match Shore completed his hat-trick, before Stef Fox’s late leveller sparked wild celebrations.

SPALDING 5th 4

SLEAFORD 3

FOUR second-half goals helped Spalding sink Sleaford.

Trailing 2-0 at the break, an incredible Adrian Bettinson hat-trick turned the tables early in the second period.

Sleaford hit back to level, only for Dan Barkworth to slam home a last-gasp winner from the top of the D.

CAMBS CITY LADIES’ 4th 0

SPALDING POACHERS 2nd 1

POACHERS snatched a deserved late winner through Lily Dobbs.

It was goalless at the break, with Spalding playing superbly with just ten players. Good organisation by sweeper Laura Watling and tremendous defensive efforts from the whole team prevented Cambridge from scoring.

Poachers stepped it up in the last ten minutes, with Karen Breen delivering a number of super crosses.

Tamika Providence and Dobbs also linked up superbly – with the latter eventually rewarded with a slotted winner.

LONG SUTTON LADIES’ 2nd 5

SPILSBY LADIES’ 1st 0

KATE Ireland fired a hat-trick as Sutton returned to action with a bang.

Louise Billingham and Helen Worth also found the net, as Sutton benefited from superb crosses from Lorraine Wallis, Jessica Hudson and Louise Southgate.

The defence of Mair Goodge, Jayme Hunt, Jill Warrick, Laura Temple and also green-carded captain Lisa Baker helped ensure that keeper Claire Billingham kept a clean sheet.

NEWMARKET LADIES’ 3rd 1

SPALDING POACHERS 3rd 3

IN the furthest away fixture of the season, Poachers earned a fine win.

New signing Hannah Albans was handed a start as Spalding started superbly. They were eventually rewarded through an early goal from Sam Campbell.

The new team formation continued to press high and Poachers soon doubled their advantage through the prolific Kate Woolley.

However, a lucky Newmarket break undid some of Spalding’s fine work and made it 2-1 at half time.

Undeterred, some good link-up play from Emily Brown and Millie Middlebrook on the left led to a series of short corners, from which Spalding were unlucky not to score.

Belinda Providence also supported well through the middle, while player-of-the-match Maisie Dobbs was strong in defence.

Spalding did manage a third in the end, with Campbell bagging her second of the day.

Spalding RFC v Coalville RFC (Saturday, 2.15pm): TOWN have been warned that their momentous win at Paviors will mean nothing if they’re beaten at the Memorial Field this weekend.

Spalding beat Midlands One East promotion hopefuls Paviors last Saturday to record their first away win in the league for almost a year.

Skipper Harry Sharman hopes the result is a turning point, but warned of complacency against relegation rivals Coalville.

He said: “If we lose on Saturday, we may as well have not beaten Paviors.

“It’s important that we make it back-to-back wins and keep building up our confidence.

“I see no reason why we can’t beat Coalville if we play anything like last weekend.

“There’s a continuity about the side now and we’re really reaping the rewards.”

Spalding go into the clash four points clear of their second-from-bottom visitors, with Jimmy Rowlands their only fresh absentee.