Dereham Town 0 Spalding United 2
Spalding United kept their unbeaten start to the Pitching In NPL Midlands Division season going on Tuesday night as they moved up to third place in the table with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Dereham Town.
After a goalless first half at Aldiss Park, strikes from Dylan Edge (66) and James Clifton (70) gave Brett Whaley’s Tulips another impressive three points.
It’s now four wins and two draws from Spalding’s six games so far in the league and they are four points behind early pace-setters Halesowen Town at the summit.
Both goals for the Tulips came from crosses, with Edge cleaning up a rebound from Clifton’s header against the post from a set-piece to break the deadlock.
Clifton wasn’t to be denied, though, and it was he who sealed the victory with a fine header from a great Liam Marshall header from the left.
Whaley handed a start to new signing Kyle Barker, who is a product of the Peterborough United academy and signed a professional contract back in 2019.
The midfielder played two matches for Dundee over the summer, but has now agreed to join up with the Tulips.
A very pleased Whaley said: “When a player of Kyle’s quality becomes available you have to jump at the chance and act quickly to bring him to your club.
“I’m really excited to have him onboard.”
Next up for Spalding is a trip to Newcastle Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Saturday (3pm).
As always, the winner of the clash will benefit from FA prize money.
The Tulips are then back in league action on Tuesday night as they play host to Corby Town (7.45pm).
Tulips: Duggan, Bucciero, Marshall, Barker, Stainfield, Cartwright, Jones, Clifton, Sandy (Hilliard 65), Moreman (O’Brien 46), Edge (Rolt 82). Not used: Draper, Ampindia Gille.
Attendance: 186.
