Spalding United cruised through to the FA Cup second round qualifying – eventually. But Holbeach United saw their 100 per cent start to the league season ended with a home defeat.
The Tulips saw off Holwell Sports 4-0 to secure their place in Monday’s draw. However, they left it late to reinforce their dominance after hitting a purple patch of three goals in the final 15 minutes.
Man of the match Lewis Webb’s goal from a Tom Waumsley assist was the only goal of the first half. And although their Leicestershire visitors only created the odd scare, the result was not sealed until sub Ash Burbeary tapped in Andrew Tidswell’s unselfish pass on 76 minutes.
Just three minutes later Jamie Thurlbourne’s deflected free kick eluded keeper Richard Cragg for 3-0 and Lewis McKue grabbed the fourth in the dying minutes.
The one black spot for the Tulips was Luke Thurlbourne being carried off. Tulips assistant boss Marcus Ebdon reckons the midfielder could be sidelined for up to four weeks with suspected ankle ligament damage.
Tulips full-back Peter Bore said: “These games are not really as easy as they may seem.
“First and foremost we had to get our workrate right and our quality would come out, which it did.
“Another home draw would be nice now.”
Meanwhile at Carter’s Park, United Counties League Premier Division leaders Holbeach United were beaten 2-0 by Huntingdon Town – the only team to do the double over the Tulips last season.
Tigers’ Lee Beeson was sent off in the first half and a pair of goals after the break ended their run of six straight wins.
