Shot-shy Spalding slip off title pace

Defensively, Spalding United look sound but a 1-0 defeat at Chasetown in the Midlands Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League on Saturday highlighted their recent lack of firepower.
The Tulips have only conceded two goals in their last five matches but have scored just one in four. That has seen them lose ground in the title race.
A scrappy contest was decided by a 16th-minute goal from John Atherton and leaves Spalding six points off the top two, albeit with a game in hand on leaders Halesowen Town.
Stefan Broccoli’s deflected shot skimmed a post and captain Nathan Stainfield headed over from a corner before a late spell of pressure saw The Tulips push hard for a point, but to no avail.
Tulips: Duggan, Hart, Bucciero (Sandy 80), Barker, Stainfield, Peters, Clifton, Hilliard (Jones 76), Ansu (Rolt h-t), Broccoli, Draper. Subs (not used): Cartwright, Wren.
Attendance: 329.