Spalding United slipped further behind the Pitching-In Northern Premier Midlands Division leaders on Saturday following a surprise defeat to Hinckley Leicester Road, but they did bounce back to win one of their games in hand on Tuesday.
While both of their title rivals won at the weekend, a 33rd minute goal from Nicholas Reeves was enough to condemn Spalding to defeat at the Sir Halley Stewart.
In a disappointing showing the home side failed to create many clear cut chances as Hinckley took the spoils with a goal from a free kick launched forward from in their own half.
A Danny Draper volley saved by the keeper in a crowded penalty area and James Clifton putting an effort just wide was as good as it got for Spalding but the Leicester keeper had a quieter day than he might otherwise have thought.
A battling display on Tuesday night though saw them claim a 2-0 win at Shepshed Dynamo courtesy of goals at the end of each half by Archie Jones and Stefan Broccoli.
After an even opening half an hour the Tulips took control with new signing Nat Ansu particularly looking threatening on his first start after making his debut off the bench on Saturday.
The forward joins from Harborough Town.
Whaley said: “I’m really pleased to bring Nat to the club, he’s a player we have been keen on for a while and I believe he will be a really important addition.
“He’s got pace, energy and physical presence and is a real goal threat.”
He went close with a couple of early efforts against Shepshed before playing a big part in the opening goal on 42 minutes.
It was his mazy run that allowed space for Lewis Hilliard’s shot that was saved by the keeper with Jones following up.
The Tulips had to dig in during the second half as Shepshed looked for the equaliser.
But they sealed the three points in injury time when Broccoli was able to bundle the ball over the line during a goal mouth scramble.
It means Spalding are six points behind league leaders Halesowen having played a game less and three behind second placed Stamford.
It sets the Tulips up for two big home games in the next week.
On Saturday they host St Neots Town looking to keep up with the other teams at the top.
And that’s followed by a Lincolnshire Senior Cup semi-final against Cleethorpes Town at the Sir Halley Stewart on Tuesday night in a 7.45pm kick off.
Tulips v Hinckley: Duggan, Peters, Bucciero, Barker (L Hilliard), Stainfield, Cartwright (Jones), Draper, Clifton, Sandy, Broccoli, Rolt (Ansu). Subs not used: Hart, Edge.
Attendance: 241.
Tulips v Shepshed: Duggan, Hart, Draper, Barker, Stainfield, Peters, Jones (Rolt), L Hilliard, Ansu, Broccoli, Edge (Clifton). Subs not used: Cartwright, Bolland, Greenacre.
Attendance: 168.
