The year 2017 will always go down in Spalding United folklore as one of the most successful in recent memory.
Despite losing the services of highly-rated boss Dave Frecklington to higher-graded Gainsborough Trinity, his number two Chris Rawlinson stepped up to impressive effect and almost led his side to a stunning promotion.
If finishing third in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South wasn’t impressive enough, the Tulips’ 3-2 victory over Stocksbridge Park Steels in the play-off semi-finals was the biggest occasion South Holland football has seen for many years.
Sadly, Rawlinson and his side couldn’t clinch promotion after suffering a heart-breaking defeat in the final at Witton Albion a few days later.
Skipper Nathan Stainfield and hitmen Brad Wells and Leon Mettam were among those to leave for pastures new in the summer, but Rawlinson challenged his side to push for the play-offs again.
An impressive start to the campaign saw them hit the top five after a dramatic 2-1 success over Lincoln United in September – but enforced budget cuts and player departures led to an eight-game losing streak that means the boys in blue begin 2018 looking over their shoulders…
JANUARY
Mettam joins on loan
Boss Dave Frecklington signalled Spalding United’s intent to go on and win the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South title by agreeing a loan deal for exciting King’s Lynn Town striker Leon Mettam.
“I know Leon well,” said the Spalding supremo. “About five or six clubs were after him, but he wanted to come here.
“It’s a loan deal as he’s got 15 months left on a contract at King’s Lynn.
“He’ll be a big one for us and I’m delighted to get it over the line.”
Mettam signed with the Tulips in second place in the standings – although their title hopes had just taken a hit after a 1-0 defeat against leaders and chief rivals Shaw Lane Aquaforce 1-0 at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
FEBRUARY
All change as Rawlo takes reins
Chris Rawlinson spoke of his pride and surprise after landing the top job at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
Former number two Rawlinson stepped up as boss following Dave Frecklington’s surprise decision to resign as manager of the Tulips.
The highly-rated Frecklington promptly took over as Gainsborough Trinity boss on the following Monday evening in a switch Rawlinson described as “too good for him to turn down.”
Having worked with the former boss for seven years, Rawlinson felt that the time was right for him to give management a go.
He said: “When Spalding approached me to replace Dave, I thought ‘wow, what an opportunity for me’.
“We’re second in the league and there is so much still to play for. Being a manager is something that I want to do and I know Spalding are keen to maintain the continuity.”
MARCH
Four-some show was best yet
New chief Chris Rawlinson lauded Spalding United’s “best performance of the season” as his side smashed hosts Leek Town 4-0 to keep their Evo-Stik NPL First Division South play-off charge on track.
Strikes from Brad Wells (25), Jordan Lemon (28) Nathan Whitehead (31) and Cenk Acar (45) emphatically steered the Tulips to glory at Harrison Park and further strengthened their grip on third place behind Shaw Lane and Witton Albion.
”I’ll not accept just treading water and settling for the play-offs,” enthused the Spalding boss. “Let’s see if we can apply pressure on the top two and see what happens.”
APRIL
Play-off heartbreak after stellar season
Spalding United’s promotion dreams were dashed after a 2-1 defeat at Witton Albion in the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South Play-Off final in Cheshire.
A stunning strike from frontman Leon Mettam on 69 mins had brought the Tulips back on level terms after Bradley Bauress’ second-half opener for the hosts in the 66th minute.
However, Anthony Gardner’s 76th minute tap-in goal following a great save by the heroic Michael Duggan ended Spalding’s spirited showing and earned Witton a Premier Division place for next season.
In the end, Witton were worthy winners against a Spalding side hampered by a debilitating back injury to goalkeeper Duggan.
The Tulips, who finished an incredible third in the table, reached the play-off final by defeating Stocksbridge Park Steels 3-2 after extra-time in a classic Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field semi-final with Jonny Lockie getting the winners.
Boss Chris Rawlinson said: “He said: “Witton are good side, but I felt we were just a tiny bit short of being at our best which was disappointing.
“We did well in patches, but going to extra-time on Tuesday night probably took a little bit more out of us.
“We’re annoyed and disappointed to have lost. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but we need to go away, regroup and pull together and make sure we’re ready to go again next season.”
JUNE
Departing Stainfield and Wells replaced
Spalding United were forced to alter the spine of their side after losing captain Nathan Stainfield and top scorer Bradley Wells to higher-graded Gainsborough Trinity.
Stainfield left the Tulips after four successful seasons, while Wells departed after a season that saw him net 30 goals.
Spalding supremo Chris Rawlinson plugged the gaps by signing hitman Gary King from Cleethorpes Town, while also clinching the signature of defender Ellis Humble.
Loyal left-back Adam Jackson was named captain after the departure of stalwart Stainfield.
SEPTEMBER
Nine-men seal derby win
A heroic display from keeper Michael Duggan helped nine-man Spalding United secure a dramatic derby win over Lincoln United at the Sir Halley – and moved the Tulips into fifth place after seven league games.
A spectacular Nathan Whitehead strike and a deflected Gary King effort gave Spalding a 2-0 lead, but their situation became precarious when Conor Marshall and Jonny Lockie were sent off.
Rob Norris netted late on to set up a tense final 15 minutes, but Duggan’s man-of-the-match show secured a memorable win.
NOVEMBER
Budget cut triggers exodus but boss stays put
Chris Rawlinson committed his future to Spalding United in the wake of the club cutting their weekly budget.
The Tulips board, who were spending big and pushing for promotion from Evo-Stik NPL Division One South last season, opted for a “change in direction” off the pitch as they bid to safeguard their future.
Rawlinson lost the services of Nathan Whitehead, Jordan Lemon, Matt Varley, Paul Walker and Jamie Jackson and the process coincided with a difficult run of form that saw the Tulips lose eight games on the spin between October and Boxing Day.
