Stamford 1
Spalding United 1
Resolute Spalding United went back to basics as they ended a run of three defeats on the spin with a 1-1 derby draw at Stamford on Saturday.
Debutant Devante Reittie – signed on loan from Coalville Town – gave the Tulips a surprise lead at the Zeeco Stadium on (22), but a deflected Jake Duffy free-kick (30) hauled the Daniels back on terms before the break.
The second half wasn’t much of a spectacle, but Spalding were buoyed by the return of Jordan Lemon – who made his first Evo-Stik NPL First Division South appearance of the season as a 65th-minute substitute after breaking his wrist in pre-season.
Tulips chief Rawlinson felt it was vital that his side put the past few results behind them and was pleased with a point, while also praising the impact of Reittie and fellow Coalville loanee Bradley Maslen-Jones, who impressed at the back.
“I wouldn’t say we’ve stopped a rot or anything as bad as that,” said the Spalding supremo. “But we were coming off a pretty bad weekend.
“It was important that we got a result here and also important that we had a solid base when put under pressure.
“It wasn’t pretty and it wasn’t great to watch – some may feel we were a bit negative. But, with where we’re at with injuries and recent form, it was important that we didn’t get beat.
“Overall I’m pleased. Maybe we need to work on being a bit more offensive, but we’ve done a job.
“Stamford are a good side and have some good players. We are maybe a little fragile at the moment, but that’ll do wonders for our confidence.
“I think we’re the happier side with a point and seven points from our first five games isn’t terrible. The manner of the last two defeats have maybe made things seem worse than they are.
“I’m not trying to paper over the cracks. We did improve here and I’m pleased, but we’re still nowhere near where we want to be.
“I’m working hard, both in the transfer marker and on the training ground, to turn things around.
“We’ve added the two loads from Coalville Town, who both slotted in very well on debut – Devante took his goal very well.
“I’ve got a few more transfers in the pipeline as it’s obvious that we need more numbers to get closer to where we need to be.”
Stamford had the better of the early exchanges at the Zeeco, with winger Andy Hall racing through on goal inside two minutes. He opted to cut inside and the Tulips managed to crowd him out – but it was a clear warning for the visitors.
However, Spalding grew into the game and registered their first shot on target when Gary King’s long-range free-kick was well held by Dan Haystead.
Moments late the Tulips were ahead, with debutant Reittie capitalising on a mix-up in the home defence to nip round the home keeper and slot home from a challenging angle.
The Daniels went straight up the other end and fashioned a clear opening when John King’s clever reverse pass released Jordan Smith, only for Michael Duggan to save with his feet.
An equaliser arrived soon after, though, with ex-Holbeach midfielder Duffy seeing his free-kick deflect off the wall – leaving Duggan rooted to the spot.
The leveller didn’t knock the stuffing out of the Tulips, however, with Nathan Whitehead smashing a long-range effort just over the bar moments after a failed penalty appeal for handball.
Debutante Reittie then nodded a Matt Varley cross just wide of the near post as Spalding finished the half as the more dangerous side.
The second half started in a very low-key manner, with neither side threatening all that often, but Stamford slowly took command.
Sub Jack Jeys forced a low save from Duggan after cutting in from the left, while Pa Njie was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after being tripped by Neal Spafford and Hall worked Duggan again with another low drive.
Another lull followed, with play becoming very disjointed and both sides guilty of playing plenty of long balls.
Stamford looked the more likely side to grab a winner, but neither side can claim to have done enough to deserve the three points.
Tulips: Duggan, Fixter (McGhee 69), Jackson, Varley, Maslen-Jones, Spafford, Millington (Lockie 75), Whitehead, King, Reittie (Lemon 65), Acar. Not used: Harris, Lockie.
Attendance: 276.
