Spalding United 3
Sheffield FC 0
A wonder goal from Leon Mettam helped promotion-chasing Spalding United ease to a largely comfortable 3-0 victory over Sheffield FC on Saturday.
On-loan frontman Mettam lit up an otherwise drab first half with a sensational 25-yard volley that picked out the top corner on the half-hour.
Second-half strikes from top scorer Brad Wells (52) and Conor Higginson (77) then clinched the points for the Tulips, before Sheffield had sub Ross Goodwin sent off late on.
The win keeps Spalding second in the table, but they are now ten points clear of fifth-placed AFC Rushden & Diamonds, who hold the final play-off position.
Tulips chief Rawlinson admitted that the attacking quality his side possess was key to grabbing the vital victory and feels that the win has given them a bit of breathing space in the race to clinch a play-off spot.
“It was all about concentration for us,” said Rawlinson, whose side made it back-to-back wins. “To be fair, they’re going well in the league and have won a lot of games for a reason.
“But I thought we kept our shape well – and, in the end, we have that little bit of quality up top.
“I actually thought we weren’t the best going forward in the first half, but (Leon) Mettam got us out of it with a great goal.
“We are very lucky to have Leon. Because of what has happened with his previous clubs, we’re pleased to have him (on loan) for nine weeks – and we need to make the most of him. He’s a great player.
“In the second half, our pressure told and we were value for the win.
“Once we got that first goal I was confident that we’d be alright. It was a good day for all-round really, when you look at the other results.
“Conor Higginson was chomping at the bit to get on as he’s a former Sheffield player. He’ll have a big part to play for us in the remainder of the season, he’s a very clever player.
“I brought him on because I felt we’d become a little too predictable and he gave us something different in the final third.
“We’ve got a pretty good squad, especially when you consider Nathan Whitehead wasn’t here today – it was a great result without him.
“This win has taken the pressure off us a little ahead of Leek on Tuesday and the double-header with Witton, which is great.
“We’ll take things one game at a time and see where we end up.”
After a largely even start, the Tulips had the first attempt on target when Jordan Lemon saw his powerful 25-yard drive tipped around the post by Chris Butt.
Lemon was involved again soon after, delivering a superb cross for Mettam to head home what looked like the opener – only for an offside flag to halt the Spalding celebrations.
There was no stopping Mettam on 31 minutes, though. The striker launched an absolutely sensational effort into the far top corner from fully 25 yards to break the deadlock in amazing fashion.
The one-way traffic continued, with Wells seeing his one-on-one effort saved by Butt at the second attempt when he perhaps should have done better.
After the break Spalding soon doubled their lead from a corner. Lee Beeson’s delivery was headed towards his own goal by a defender, with Wells getting the final touch on the line.
At the other end, Michael Duggan was called into action when a Joel Purkiss cross was deflected towards goal, but he got down well to save smartly.
That was the only really attempt Sheffield had on goal – and Spalding nipped any thoughts they may have had of launching a comeback with a third goal 13 minutes from time.
Higginson, who had just replaced Cenk Acar, expertly finished with the outside of his foot after playing a superb one-two with Wells.
To make Sheffield’s afternoon worse, Goodwin picked up a straight red card for a late lunge on Higginson, as they returned home well beaten.
Spalding now turn their attention to an away trip to Leek Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm), with Whitehead and Neal Spafford both banned.
Tulips: Duggan, Walker, Jackson, Stainfield, Miller, Varley (Downey 72), Beeson, Lemon, Acar (Higginson 77), Wells, Mettam (Lockie 66).
MOTM: Walker.
Attendance: 143
