Gallant FA Cup defeats for Tigers and Tulips

Spalding United and Holbeach United both suffered narrow FA Cup exits against higher level opposition in today’s first qualifying round clashes.
The Tulips went down to a 3-2 away defeat at EvoStik Premier Division side Mickleover Sports while Holbeach were edged out in a 2-1 defeat at Dereham who play in the Ryman League Division One North.
Spalding had gone into their clash protecting an unbeaten start to their EvoStik Division One South campaign.
However, they fell behind shortly before half-time when Adam Baskerville netted to give the hosts the lead at the interval.
Bradley Wells continued his free-scoring start to his Spalding career by bringing the Tulips level two minute into the second period.
However, two own goals in the space of a few minutes turned the match against the Tulips.
Jake Bennett saw a shot well saved by Spalding goalkeeper Michael Duggan, only for the rebound to cannon off a Tulips defender and land in the visitors’ net.
Spalding skipper Nathan Stainfield then turned a piercing low cross from Ben Turner into his own net.
Stainfield reduced the arrears with Spalding’s second goal in the 90th minute but, despite some late pressure, the hosts held out to progress.
Holbeach also went into their clash on the back of an unbeaten start to their United Counties League Premier Division campaign.
They went behind to Jake Anema’s 33rd minute opener for the Magpies, but bounced back to equalise through Jake Clitheroe’s leveller early in the second period.
However, Anema struck with just seven minutes remaining to end the Tigers’ hopes of making further FA Cup progress.