Gresley FC 2
Spalding United 0
Disappointed Marcus Ebdon accepted that Spalding United’s hopes of reaching the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South play-offs are “wobbling” after Tuesday night’s 2-0 reverse at Gresley.
The Tulips slipped to eighth in the standings after their second defeat in four days as goals in either half from Jordan Ball (39) and Gary Ricketts (72) handed the Moatmen all three points.
Although they remain just three points off the top five, Ebdon’s side have played more games than any of their rivals for the four coveted play-off positions.
The chief also admitted that it was a familiar performance from his goal-shy side, who once again spurned a host of presentable chances.
“I’m afraid it was the same old story,” said the former Peterborough United professional. “Both sides had chances, but they took theirs and we didn’t.
“A poor defensive error cost us on the first goal, then we’ve let Ricketts score a free header – although it was a fine finish from him.
“We had a free header of our own that was wasted and a 30-minute spell in the second half when we were by far the better side.
“We’re making the same mistakes and it’s costing us points at the moment.
“Sadly it was a case of us huffing and puffing, but once again failing to blow the door down.
“At the moment, I’d have to say that our chances of reaching the play-offs are wobbling.
“That’s not to say we have no chance, as it’s still incredibly tight. We’ve got 11 games to go and an awful lot can happen in that time.
“Six of those games are at home, so I’d certainly not rule us out of the race just yet.”
The Tulips had their chances in the first half, with Tom Waumsley failing to pick out a free Charley Sanders following a fine break down the right-hand side.
But it was a weak defensive header from centre-back Ellis Humble that allowed Ball to get in behind and open the scoring just before the break, sitting keeper Michael Duggan down before firing into the net.
A smart reaction from Rob Peet denied Spalding skipper Nathan Stainfield an instant leveller, before the home keeper then pulled off an incredible save to keep out a fine Sanders header.
Sam Murphy was also guilty of missing a free header before Duggan was forced into a super stop to keep out Martyn Smith’s effort following a slick move.
The reprieve was pretty short-lived, however, with Jack Langston’s resultant corner buried expertly by a flying header from Ricketts.
Having enjoyed a lot of the play in the second period, the second goal effectively killed off the Tulips – despite another bright cameo from teenage talent Jonny Lockie in the closing stages at Moat Street.
Meanwhile, the Tulips have added some much-needed firepower to their ranks ahead of Saturday’s home date with struggling Goole (3pm).
Attacker Stuart Eason, from St Ives Town, has signed forms with Spalding and is expected to make his bow at the Sir Halley this weekend.
Fellow frontman Jamie Graham should also return to the squad after missing Tuesday’s trip to Gresley.
Ebdon added that he’s expecting “an improved showing” from his side against a Goole outfit that are just above the drop zone.
One player that won’t be involved is winger Kieron Davies, who has left the Tulips for Worksop Town.
Tulips: Duggan, Walker, Jackson, Humble, Stainfield, Murphy, Banister, Sanders (Lockie 75), Waumsley, Thurlbourne. Not used: Lucan, Ebdon.
Attendance: 144
