Bury Town 0
Spalding United 3
Dave Frecklington heaped praise on his Spalding United side after seeing them overcome a talented Bury Town side 3-0 in The Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.
The Tulips survived a troublesome first period before second-half strikes from Bradley Wells (53 and 73) and Andrew Wright (85) gave them the victory in the Preliminary Round clash.
As well as clinching £2,000 in FA prize money, the win also earned Spalding a trip to Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division side Mickleover Sports in the next round on September 3.
Frecklington admitted that Bury were a very tough opponent, but felt a change of tact at half time inspired what was an impressive win.
The Tulips boss said: “To be fair to them, Bury are an excellent side. If we hadn’t defended so well, we could have been three or four down at half time.
“But the lads responded to a change of tactics really well at half time and we began to look really dangerous on the break.
“We totally nulified them after making the change and ended up with a great win.
“Credit to the lads and, of course, that man Bradley Wells. He’s been on fire for us since signing and is really showing his ability.
“The FA Cup is all about winning prize money for the club and, if possible, gaining a bit of additional exposure.”
Hosts Bury had the better of a goalless first period at Ram Meadow, but couldn’t take their chances against a strong Spalding backline.
Tevan Allen tested Michael Duggan with a decent effort from an Ollie Hughes cross on nine minutes, before the Spalding stopper was called into action again to keep out a well-hit Tom Mayhew strike.
Their frustration continued when Ryan Jolland’s pass was played behind a well-placed Sam Reed later in the half, leaving the scores locked at 0-0 on the half-time whistle.
Duggan once again saved well early in the second period to keep out Hughes, with the same player then heading over from a corner.
But it was Spalding who drew first blood eight minutes into the second period.
A well-delivered free kick from the left found its way through to the in-form Wells, who made no mistake at the far post.
Wells then put the tie beyond the hosts 17 minutes from time, expertly looping a header over a stranded Dan Heath.
Duggan was on hand to superbly keep out a curling Bradley Barber effort, before the Tulips added a third five minutes from time. It was Lincoln City loanee Wright who fired home his first competitive goal for the club to clinch a fine victory.
Tulips: Duggan, Lemon, Field (Waumsley 61), Varley (Costa 88), Stainfield, Spafford, Walker, Whitehead, Wells, Acar (Lockie 87), Wright.
