Hopes of putting some space between themselves and the relegation zone were dashed for Spalding United on Saturday.
A 3-1 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Bishop’s Stortford leaves the Tulips just two points above the Southern League Premier Central drop zone, and having played more games than some of their rivals.
Stortford were relegated from National League North last season and had looked to be on their way to a second consecutive drop but looked impressive against a home side still getting to know each other after a rapid change of playing staff under manager Jimmy Dean. Only Tony Breeden, Glenn Walker and Lewis Hilliard remain as regulars from last-season’s Northern Premier League Midlands Division title-winning team.
Jack Roberts put the Hertfordshire side ahead after 35 minutes and added a second on the stroke
of half-time. Dion Sembie-Ferris briefly raised home hopes when he pulled one back after 71 minutes but Roberts completed his hat-trick five minutes later.
The Tulips held the balance of play but always looked vulnerable on the counter-attack and were made to pay.
Manager Dean said: “We had plenty of chances in the first half and even in the second we created a lot but the ball didn’t fall for us and didn’t go in.
“We didn’t stick to our plan. Our players were far too advanced in possession so we were vulnerable on our turnover.
“We have to lock the game off better because two goals came from our turn-overs and one from a set piece.
“The problem when you do that is if you’re not Brazil then if you turn the ball over it’s a straight race.
“We’re very vulnerable on the counter but that won’t happen again, it can’t happen again.”
“We were too cavalier. We were out of position when we were attacking and got caught on the counter.
“There was so much in that game that we’ve got to do better. We’ve got to give the fans a bit more.
“When we have a bit of adversity we deal with it well but we have to start building a bit of momentum and get a win, then another win and go from there.
“We’re treading water and it’s got to stop.”
The team are back at home on Saturday, 3pm, when they welcome title-chasing Stourbridge to the Sir Halley Stewart ground.
Defender Nathan Stainfield has gone on loan to Wellingborough Town for a month to get some game time ahead of the busy Christmas period. He is in familiar company, with former Tulips Sam Warburton, Danny Draper, Jordan Graham and Joe Curtis already at the Northern Premier League club.
Tulips: Breeden, Freeman, Fox, Moore, Walker (Cartwright), Lawlor, Sembie-Ferris, Hilliard (Sherif), Cybulski, Leshabela (Ngandu), Tomlinson (Nyahwema). Sub: Chettle.
Attendance: 486.
- A fans’ forum is being held at the Sir Halley Stewart ground on Friday, 7.30pm. It is being organised by the Tulips Supporters’ Club and the team manager and other club members will be among those in attendance. It is open to members and non-members of the supporters’ club and the bar will be open.
