Newcastle Town 6
Spalding United 1
Spalding United turned in a highly disappointing performance on Saturday and were mercilessly put to the sword 6-1 by a rejuventated Newcastle team at the Drayton Beaumont Stadium, writes RAY TUCKER.
The host club were still adding to their squad during the days preceeding Saturday’s game following a host of departures, but embarrassingly cut through the Tulips with consumate ease with a display of controlled and precision football in the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South clash.
And in striker Jordan Cole they have a real gem. He scored four of his team’s goals and could have had more in a ruthless display.
Newcastle had but seven serious attempts at goal in the first half but converted four of them, had one disallowed and one saved by goalkeeper Michael Duggan.
The Tulips had welcomed back midfielder Nathan Whitehead, who missed the two FA Cup games against Wisbech Town because of injury, but suffered a pre-match set-back when the inspirational Paul Walker was whisked into hospital with suspected acute appendicitis.
Central defender Elliss Humble was named in the squad but, having acquired a groin injury during training, did not feature, and Lee Beeson was unavailable for selection.
But realistically, only skipper Adam Jackson, who worked tirelessly and continuously voiced encouragement to his colleagues, emerged from the game with any real credibility.
Newcastle set the scene early on with Cole opening his account after just six minutes with a simple opportunity to beat a flat-footed Duggan.
The home team went from strength to strength although Whitehead did manage to get his head to a Matt Varley long throw into the area, but failed to test keeper Raajan Gill.
The home lead was extended on 20 minutes with Sam Bradbury putting the finish to another flowing movement and ten minutes later the impressive Jonny Kapend nipped through after a left side break to add his name to the scorers list.
And, not to be outdone, Cole added to his tally within a couple of minutes to make it 4-0.
As the first half went into added time Cenk Acar was awarded a penalty.
His attempt from the spot was well kept out by the agile Gill, but Gary King was able to nod the ball home as it ran free to give the Tulips’ a glimmer of hope for the second half.
Unfortunately the flame did not ignight and Newcastle added two more goals to their account through the dangerous Cope (66, 77) to complete the rout.
Tulips boss Chris Rawlinson felt compelled to apologise for the performance on behalf of the team.
He said: “On behalf of all the players and management, apologies to all fans and volunteers connected to the club for the performance.”
The Tulips are hoping to bounce back against Cleethorpes Town at the Sir Halley on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).
Tulips: Duggan, Harris (Higginson 46), Jackson, Varley, Fixter, Spafford, McGhee, Whitehead, King, Chipamaunga (Lockie 56). Not used: Humble.
Attendance: 83.
