It was third time lucky for EMG Motor Group-sponsored Spalding United at Coles Land on Saturday for the opening day of a new Evo-Stik League Division One South campaign.
The previous visits to the stadium, and playing on a 4G pitch, inside a year, ended in defeat – losing 2-0 to promoted Sutton Coldfield Town on the opening day of the season and 3-0 to Romulus on the final day.
So Saturday’s 1-1 draw was a huge relief and brought a smile from manager Pat Rayment, who quipped: “At least we have broken our duck and begun the season by gaining a point which is a better start than last season.”
Taking time to settle on the artificial pitch, the Tulips went on to play the better football of the two sides, winning praise from home club officials.
Main highlights of an entertaining encounter were a couple of great saves by goalkeeper Michael Duggan and two well-taken goals.
The Roms took the lead on the half hour following a good right side break.
A high, bouncing ball beat the unfortunate Danny Hussey – called out of retirement to fill a central defence position – and the impressive Joel Grandison nipped in smartly to beat Duggan with a fine shot into a top angle of the goal.
The lead, however, lasted just five minutes with Michael Frew chesting down Sam Murphy’s lofted pass and neatly chipping the ball over a static Chris Gemmell from just inside the area.
Duggan’s part in proceedings began in the 17th minute. A Roms free kick into the area was deflected onto a post with the ball rebounding back into play. The keeper did well to block the follow-up shot in a crowded area and then launched himself into a gaggle of feet to smother the ball.
With a five-strong midfield pack the Tulips went on to dominate a considerable amount of the play, particularly in the second half. Josh Moreman had a well struck free kick well saved and fired a neat through pass from Frew into the side netting.
Murphy, returning from injury, also forced a save from Gemmell, and Tulips man-of-the-match Neal Spafford was denied by a late goalline clearance by Matt Curley.
At the other end Duggan ensured the scores remained level with a crucial save from substitute Jordan Francis.
Tulips: Duggan, Walker, Jackson, Spafford, Hussey, Millson (Nuttell 86mins), Griffiths, Murphy, Frew (Waumsley 85mins), Lawler, Moreman (Barlow 83mins). Sub (not used) Zuerner.
MOTM: Spafford.
Att: 67
