Two goals in the final five minutes earned Spalding United Reserves a vital victory in ChromaSport Peterborough League Division Two on Saturday.
Having fallen a goal down at Thorney Reserves, Jason Haytree and Jamie Cartlidge netted late on to secure a 2-1 win for the Tulips – and keep them top of the table.
United were slow to start and the home side took advantage mid-way through the first half when Matthew Hempsall converted into his own net attempting to clear a cross come shot.
Moments later, Thorney’s Conor Pridmore saw red for foolishly kicking out at Cartlidge – but as the conditions deteriorated, the Tulips struggled to make their numerical advantage count.
That was, until Cartlidge slipped an inviting ball through for Haytree to slide home the leveller.
Not done there, Cartlidge then powered home the winner to seal a tricky win and move Spalding six points clear.
Elsewhere, Matty Cawthorn struck twice to fire resurgent Holbeach United Reserves to a thrilling 4-3 Premier Division win over Sawtry at Carter’s Park.
Cymon Lambe and Jonny Wiggins also netted for Omar Joof’s side, who are now out of the drop zone after three victories on the trot.
Crowland Town remain rock bottom in the top flight, though, after they were drubbed 8-1 at home by Oakham United. Callum Dunne got their consolation at Snowden Field.
In Division One, basement boys Moulton Harrox Reserves earned a 2-2 draw at Sutton Bridge United.
Matt Eaton and Joe Sutton put Bridge into a 2-0 half-time lead at Memorial Park, but Tom Coote and Nigel Steadman hit back for Harrox.
Back in Division Two, Tyler Wright hit a hat-trick as nine-man Pinchbeck United Reserves drew 3-3 with Stamford Bels. Luke Allen and Liam Dawson saw red for the hosts.
Crowland Town Reserves were 3-1 winners over Coates Athletic A, with David Howe (2) and Kevin Hubbard their scorers.
Down in Division Four, Danny Hunt’s strike couldn’t stop Holbeach Bank from losing 2-1 at Bretton North End.
Also beaten were Sutton Bridge United Reserves, who were hammered 7-1 at Eye United despite Aron John’s goal, and Long Sutton Reserves, who went down 7-0 at Stanground Sports.
In Division Five, Tom Cherry, Dexter Facey, Sam Fowler, Ben Gibbons and Robert Lewsley bagged to give Holbeach United ‘A’ a thrilling 5-4 victory over Parkside Reserves.
At the same level, Ayden Sallis grabbed Whaplode Drove’s goal as they drew 1-1 at Ryhall United A.
