Spalding United 2
Loughborough Dynamo 1
A late strike from Scott Floyd fired Spalding United to a 2-1 win over Loughborough Dynamo on the opening day of the new Pitching In NPL Midland Division season on Saturday.
Right back Floyd netted with eight minutes to go at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field to settle a tight tussle between two strong sides.
The Tulips had earlier fallen behind when Curtis Burrows fired a direct free-kick into the corner on 21 minutes.
But big name signing Marcus Maddison levelled with a typical strike ten minutes before the break.
Maddison was later forced off with an injury, but Spalding showed plenty of character to secure the win.
Boss Gabriel Zakuani said: “What a fantastic opening day, coming from behind to get the win.
“I’m pleased with the character and togetherness my boys showed out there. Time to rest up and concentrate on the games ahead.”
Spalding are back in action at Yaxley on Tuesday night (7.45pm).
Tulips: Duggan, Floyd, Hugo, Price, Odogwo-Atkinson, Stainfield, Macleod, Broccoli, Smith, Brownhill, Maddison. Subs: Goff, Yala, Mezine, Flitton, Assombalonga.
Attendance: 189.
- Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was in attendance as Spalding lost a pre-season freindly 3-2 against a Peterborough United XI last Wednesday night.
Ferguson, who is the father of Posh boss Darren, even posed for a few pictures with awe-struck Spalding fans.
In front of a crowd in excess of 1,300 at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, two Jordan Macleod goals had put the Tulips 2-0 ahead before Posh battled back with three goals after the break.
Zakuani said: ” Still a bit surreal having the legendary Sir Alex watching Spalding United. Really proud of my lads putting on a show in front of a big crowd.
“Thank you to all the supporters and to my family at Posh for coming down.”
- Spalding have been handed a home draw against Scunthorpe Town in the last four of the Lincolnshire FA Senior Cup on a date and at a time TBC.
