LINCOLN UTD 1
SPALDING UTD 0
Spalding United completed their Evo-Stik NPL First Division South season with a 1-0 defeat at county rivals Lincoln United on Saturday.
Phil Watt’s header from a corner nine minutes from time secured all three points for the hosts at the Sun Hat Villas Stadium, but they missed out on the play-offs.
The Tulips, who had won their previous five games on the road, put in a solid showing with a depleted side and conclude their campaign in a respectable 13th place.
Spalding, forced into fielding a team of mixed age groups due to injuries and non-availability of players, put in a very commendable performance, full of endeavour and eagerness to end the season on a high.
They were first to feature in attack with Jack Fixter forcing a good save from ex-Tulips keeper Michael Emery in the fourth minute following a good run and cross by Cenk Acar.
At the other end, Spalding stalwart Michael Duggan pulled off three excellent saves in the space of five minutes to deny The Whites before young Lincoln City loanee James Hugo hooked Matt Cotton’s effort in a packed area from the line.
But the Tulips survived the home onslaught with the defence working hard and efficiently as a unit.
Shortly before the interval, only a spectacular save at full stretch by Emery denied teenage talent Marcel Chipamaunga his first goal for the senior side.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with play continually from end-to-end and both goalmouths under siege.
Former Lincoln player Danny Brooks was just inches away from putting the Tulips in front on 47 minutes when his firmly struck free-kick from 30-yards out was deflected inches over the bar.
A draw looked to be the most likely outcome but the Tulips’ hopes were dashed by Watt’s classy late header.
Tulips: Duggan, Walker (G Stainfield 80), Hugo, Miller, Humble, Spafford, Chipamaunga (Havard 65), Brooks, White, Fixter, Acar. Not used: Smith.
MOTM: Jack Fixter.
Attendance: 201.
- Unfortunately, Lincoln’s best made plans for a memorable day in “Bomber County” to mark the Royal Air Force’s 100th anniversary celebration were hampered by the adverse weather conditions on Saturday
Low lying cloud prevented the parachute display and the stormy conditions put paid to the marching band during the interval.
However, with both high ranking officers and lower ranks in attendance, the RAF Baton was paraded through a guard of honour before kick-off.
