GALLERY – Clifton puts Tulips clear

The fans flocked to the Sir Halley Stewart ground on Saturday to see Spalding United consolidate their lead at the top of the Northern Premier League Midlands Division.

A ninth-minute strike from James Clifton was enough to send the majority of the 695 crowd home happy in the clash against second-placed Bedworth United, who had boasted a 100 per cent away record before the match.
Clifton worked hard to win the ball and powered his shot into the net for the only goal of the game in front of the day’s biggest Step 4 attendance in the country.
It leaves the Tulips three points clear with a game in hand and manager Elliot Sandy said: “I’ve told the lads that was just as important as the 6-1 win the previous week (against Shepshed).
“It was a completely different style of win and we went a bit ugly at times but we took our chance really well and defended like warriors at the back.
“I was really impressed with the positive performance. We knew what Bedworth were going to be like – a strong organised side, who would not give us many chances, so I’m absolutely delighted.
Home fans turned out in force, with an u16s-go-free initiative reaping dividends, and Sandy said: “The support was incredible. We’ve had nothing like that since I’ve been here.
“Thanks go to the fans and volunteers for drumming this up. They’ve worked hard to get people through the gate and that’s really appreciated.”
Although Jordan Graham took the man of the match award, it was new signing Tyler Winters who caught the eye, with the Peterborough United u18s loanee impressing on his debut.
Sandy said: “Tyler is what we’ve been missing – a bit of pace running in behind and at their lads.”
Also added to the squad this week was former Notts County midfielder James Snedden, who joined from Shepshed Dynamo.
Tulips: Breeden, Draper, Warburton, Barker, Stainfield, Cartwright, Carvalho (Winters), Clifton. Graham, Hilliard (Curtis), Walker. Subs not used: Sandy, Morley.
Attendance: 695.

Pictures by ADRIAN SMITH.