Cambridge City fall to defeat on New Year’s Day away at Spalding United

After picking up some much-needed points over the festive period, Cambridge City suffered a 3-0 defeat at Spalding United on New Year’s Day.

The Lilywhites halted a run of six straight defeats in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Midlands Division by beating Gresley Rovers 1-0 on December 23, which was followed four days later by a 1-1 draw with Corby Town.

However, Robbie Nightingale’s team were unable to make it three positive results in a row as they conceded three without reply in their first outing of 2024.

With a squad ravaged by injuries, City fell behind in the 23rd minute via Sam Warburton’s long-range effort.

A header on the stroke of half-time from Nathan Stainfield doubled the hosts’ advantage before Riley O’Sullivan completed the scoring after the restart.

City, who are four points above the relegation zone, will aim to bounce back on Sunday (January 7) when they play host to fifth-placed Loughborough Dynamo.

Meanwhile, the club has announced the departure of Ben Bradley. The midfielder has joined higher-league AFC Sudbury.

Speaking about Bradley, who arrived at City in 2021, Sudbury boss Marc Abbot said: “Ben is a brilliant addition to the first-team group.

“He has the capability to play regularly and will fit into our style of play smoothly. Having previously worked with Ben at St Neots, he will thrive off the challenge, adding to the quality higher up the pitch we already have.”