The Bank Holiday weekend brought two defeats for manager-less Spalding United as they sit second bottom in the still very early Southern League Premier Central table.
James Clifton oversaw both Saturday’s home game with AFC Telford and Monday’s trip to St Ives Town.
The game at the Sir Halley saw a much improved performance from the Tulips.
Telford were one of the most favoured sides to get promotion pre-season but Spalding matched them, particularly in the second half with Jonathan Ngandu looking dangerous.
Ricardo Dinanga put Telford’s noses in front in the 56th minute rounding off a well worked goal.
The Tulips pushed for a leveller with Jordan Graham having a shot well saved and Nathan Stainfield going close from a corner.
However Telford held out for a 1-0 win.
“I thought bar the first ten to 15 minutes the lads have done really well and are unlucky not to win,” Clifton said. “They hit us on the breakaway.
“I couldn’t fault effort levels or desire or not putting the ball in the right positions, it just didn’t quite fall for us.
Spalding were less impressive on Monday as they slumped to a 5-1 defeat at St Ives.
They were 3-0 down after 21 minutes, Kobe Chong bundling home the opener before Alexander Collard netted after Spalding had failed to clear.
A defensive mix-up led to Jonathan Edwards netting the third.
Danny Draper and Tyler Winters went close for the Tulips before the break before Joseph Nyahwema gave them hope with a fine strike after cutting in from the wing.
But a minute later Theo Alexandrou restored the three-goal advantage before Jordan Williams capped off the win with St Ives’ fifth in the 82nd minute.
Tulips v Telford: Breedon, Ezwele, Walker, Hilliard, Stainfield, White, Ngandu, Barker, Graham, Winters, Nyahwema. Subs: Dawes, Darlington, Bennett, Draper.
Attendance: 362.
Tulips v St Ives: Breedon, Ezwele, Warburton, Barker, Stainfield, White, Ngandu, Draper, Graham, Winters, Nyahwema. Subs: Dawes, Darlington, Bennett, West.
Attendance: 348.
