Spalding United came from behind on Saturday to end the short losing run by beating Redditch United 2-1.
The Tulips fell behind again on six minutes when Darnell Johnson’s attempted clearance from a cut back fell to Ryan Boothe who smashed home from close range.
Spalding responded well though and levelled on 11 minutes when James Clifton’s ball into the box was poked home by James Law for his first goal for the club.
Dion Sembie-Ferris forced a good save out of the Redditch keeper.
Clifton then put Spalding ahead just before the break with a lovely improvised finish at full strength with his back to goal.
Redditch came closest to an equaliser when George Burroughs headed on to the cross bar from only a couple of yards out.
But Spalding held out for the points that leave them seven off the play-offs with eight to play.
“It’s been a tough week,” said manager Jimmy Dean. “The boys got in Thursday and it was dull like it was always going to be, but it was sharp and the application was good.
“The start didn’t feel me with confidence as it was really poor from Darnell as he got the wrong side from a throw in.
“It was a really positive reaction from us and two good finishes.
“They’re a hard side to beat so we’ve got to be delighted with the turn around.
“We’ve got to stop giving the goals away we are doing.
“We should have scored a few more but there were real positives.”
Dean also revealed that captain and central defender Liam Moore played through the pain barrier with a suspected cracked rib.
“Given the levels he’s played at, he’s really showing a desire.
“It’s testament to the man he is, because we probably wouldn’t have won if he’d not been on the pitch.
“There were some great performances.
“Dion looked razor sharp and Kieran Freeman covered every blade of grass.
“James Clifton as well was outstanding.
“They’re really showing some want and desire to play for this football club and in moments of adversity you need that.
“I’ve been frustrated for the past couple of games and maybe have gone a bit overboard but the want and desire to shut a few people up and get a positive result for the football club.”
On Law getting off the mark for his new club Dean continued: “He’s not played for five months and it takes time, but he’s a fantastic footballer.
“He took his goal really well and showed his quality.”
Next up for Spalding is a trip to Stourbridge who are one place and two points behind the Tulips in the league.
“I rate Liam as much as any manager in this league and I think it will be a tough playing surface as well.
“They were in a tough spot when they came here and I think it’s flipped a bit and they’ve been in good form.
“We’ve lost three away on the bounce so me and the players have got something to turn around.”
Tulips: Chapman, Clifton, Fox, Moore, Johnson, Lawlor, Sembie-Ferris, Freeman, Cybulski, Sherif, Law. Subs: Sano-Sani, Chettle, Walker, Ngandu.
Attendance: 470.
Pictures by Adrian Smith.
