Spalding United 1 Cambridge City 2
Boss Gaby Zakuani declared himself “very disappointed” as Spalding United slipped to their first home defeat of the Pitching In NPL Midlands Division season on Saturday.
After 80 goalless minutes at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, strikes from Thomas Hitchcock (81) and Ryan Swift (90) put visitors Cambridge City 2-0 to the good.
Jordan Macleod grabbed a consolation in added time for Zakuani’s Tulips, but they were unable to pull off another late rescue job and slipped to a first home defeat at the fourth time of asking.
The City reverse sees Spalding drop to tenth place in the standings, although they do have at least one game in hand on four of the sides above them.
For ex-Peterborough United defender Zakuani, it was a fifth game without a win in all competitions.
The Tulips chief said: “I’m very disappointed with the performance, nowhere near the levels I expect.
“A very tough week of training ahead to get things back up and running.
“A big thank you to the fans for the amazing support.”
With key men Gregg Smith and Marcus Maddison back on the bench, Spalding were hoping to get back to winning ways.
They had a great chance to go ahead midway through the half after being awarded a penalty, but Chris Assombalonga saw his spot-kick saved by Dan George.
A drab second half saw big guns Smith and Maddison introduced as the hosts looked to seize the initiative.
But it was City who went ahead nine minutes from time when Hitchcock met a Nathan Olukanmi cross with a super diving header.
Worse was to follow for the hosts, with Swift played through before calmly skipping past Duggan and slotting into the net.
Macleod immediately pulled one back for the Tulips, but the final whistle followed and ended their perfect home record.
Tulips: Duggan, Baker (Macleod 60), Hugo, Mucklin, Stainfield, Ward, Clarke, Bucciero (Smith 80), Assombalonga (Maddison 70), Broccoli, Yala. Not used: Goff, Mezine.
Attendance: 317
