Daventry Town 0
Spalding United 1
Striking sensation Jake Newman marked his debut with a winning goal as Spalding United bagged a fine 1-0 win at Daventry Town on Tuesday night.
Newman, signed from UCL Premier Division side Wellingborough Town on the morning of the match (see story here), fired a wonderful winner on 26 minutes to settle a tight tussle.
The victory is Spalding’s first three-point haul in Evo-Stik League First Division South this season – and moves them up to eighth in the table.
Tulips chief Pat Rayment, who also handed a first start to David Bell, felt his side should have won by more and pointed to three blatant penalty appeals that fell on deaf ears.
But, in the end, he was left thankful for a super injury-time save from Michael Duggan.
“I’m very pleased to get that first away win,” said Rayment. “But I felt 1-0 really flattered them.
“We should have had three penalties for a start. There was then a ridiculous amount of injury time and Michael Duggan was forced to make a top save.
“I’m never totally happy, that’s me. But I thought we played well. We looked strong at the back and had plenty of flair in midfield.
“Newman came in and produced a great low finish – he could have scored another too. He looked good.
“Overall I’d say we’re starting to play to our potential. The signs are there, but we can still do better, I’m sure of it.”
The Tulips now turn their attention to an FA Trophy Preliminary Round clash at league rivals Newcastle Town on Saturday (3pm).
Tulips: Duggan, Watson, Jackson, Stainfield, Spafford, Bell, Murphy, Banister, Moreman (Griffiths), Newman (Frew), Rodney (Waumsley). Not used: Lawlor, Walker.
Tuesday’s results
Evo-Stik League
First Division South: Basford United 1 Sheffield FC 2; Coalville Town 1 Chasetown 1; Daventry Town 0 Spalding United 1; Goole 0 Shaw Lane Aquaforce 3; Gresley FC 0 Leek Town 1; Loughborough Dynamo 0 Romulus 3; Market Drayton Town 4 Newcastle Town 1; Stafford Rangers 6 Belper Town 0; Stocksbridge PS 0 Lincoln United 1.
