Boss Matt Easton admits that Spalding United face something of a selection crisis ahead of their first competitive game of the new season on Saturday.
The Tulips are without at least six players for the trip to holders Cleethorpes Town in the Lincs FA Senior Cup quarter-final (3pm), with the winners to take on either Lincoln City or Lincoln United in the last four.
Neal Spafford, James Hugo, Charlie Hart, Archie Moyses, Scott Floyd and Ben Greenwood all miss the clash at Clee Road, but Easton isn’t losing too much sleep over his lack of options.
Instead, he sees it as a chance for triallists and youngsters to impress in a clash he describes as more of a “competitive friendly” ahead of the start of the new BetVictor NPL South East Division season at Sutton Coldfield Town on August 17.
“I’m happy with how pre-season is going,” said the Tulips chief. “The lads have been pretty impressive so far and we’re looking forward to stepping it up a bit at Cleethorpes.
“I know Saturday is a competitive game, but it’s more of a competitive friendly. Either way, it’s another step into pre-season for us.
“Nobody at the club really sees the competition as a major priority and I’m sure Cleethorpes feel the same. Of course, they may want to retain their title, but it’s all about preparing for the big kick-off.
“We’ve got quite a few missing, but it’s a chance for the under-23 players and triallists to stake their claim. A few of the younger lads have really impressed me in pre-season so let’s see what they can do when things are stepped up a notch.”
George Zuerner and Jamie Jackson earned the Tulips a 2-1 win at Bourne Town in their opening pre-season outing last Wednesday night.
Spalding also picked up an 8-1 win over Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue on Saturday, with new signing Lewis Brownhill helping himself to a hat-trick.
Youngsters Ted Holliday, Elliott Burrell, Ross Bland and Ryan Buckley got the other goals.
Tuesday night then saw Spalding pick up an impressive 4-0 victory at Harrowby United. The Tulips’ goals came from Jackson (2), Taron Hare and Kegan Everington, but Jenk Acar picked up a knock.
