Spalding played their last home game of the season trying to put pressure on second-placed Bedford.
A poor first quarter put end to that aspiration, with Bedford’s clinical play a polar opposite to Spalding’s disjointed and forced attack allowing for a mountain to overcome.
Spalding shipped seven goals without response in the first quarter.
From that point the game evened out with Spalding improving considerably but losing the second quarter 2-1 with a goal from Adam Found.
They again improved in the third quarter winning 4-2 with a hat trick from captain John James and a single goal for brother Phil.
Bedford managed the final quarter winning it 3-2 with two goals on debut for Aaron Trevor.
The damage was done in the first quarter and a comfortable 7-14 win for Bedford has all but sealed their second place finish behind Watford.
Spalding have three more away games to end the season.