CHASETOWN 2
SPALDING UNITED 0
A fully-committed Spalding United performance was not enough to win any vital Evo-Stik NPL First Division South points in a hard-fought encounter in Staffordshire on Saturday.
The Scholars Ground has never been a happy hunting ground for the Tulips over recent years, with just a single point taken, while they’ve not managed so much as a draw away from home since October.
The Tulips were unable to take anything from promotion-seeking Chasetown, who are currently holding sixth position.
The hosts broke the deadlock just a minute into the second period through Jake Lovatt – and then put the game out of the plucky Tulips’ reach with a fortuitous second from Muzzy Nduna ten minutes from full time.
The first half was a bit scrappy, with few scoring opportunities for either team.
The best efforts came from the home team, but shots from Jack Langston and Lovatt were competently dealt with by teenager Michael Antkowiak, covering for the holidaying Michael Duggan in the Tulips goal.
The Tulips went closer though, with Matt Varley’s header from a Cenk Acar corner just inches over Curtis Pond’s crossbar.
Then, on 30 minutes, Pond raced well out of his area to deny Tom Siddons a touch of the ball in a one-on-one situation.
Minutes from the break Paul Walker staged a strong run down the right wing and whipped the ball into a crowded home area, but a desperate defence ruled the day.
However, the Tulips were caught on the hop in the opening minute of the second period by Danny Cocks, who twisted and turned on the edge of the area to find Lovatt – who managed to poke the ball past young Antkowiak.
The visitors battled hard to get back on level terms in an engaging contest, but clear scoring opportunities continued to be scarce.
Tulips’ man-of-the-match Ellis Humble denied the home team with an excellent interception and clearance, while at the other end Pond saved at the feet of substitute Jonny Lockie.
The game was put beyond Spalding’s reach ten minutes from time, though.
The tricky Nduna delivered a sucker blow with a curling shot from an acute angle just inside the 18-yard area.
Lincoln City loanee Antkowiak misjudged the strike, with the ball skidding off his shoulder and into the net at the near post.
The loss sees Spalding slip two places to 15th in the table, but Chris Rawlinson’s side do still have a seven-point cushion from basement side Gresley, who occupy the one and only relegation spot this season.
Tulips: Antkowiak, Fixter (Havard 84), Hugo, Varley, Humble, Spafford, Walker, Marshall (Beeson 62), Siddons, Tricks (Lockie 60), Acar.
MOTM: Ellis Humble.
Attendance: 178
