Spalding United kicked off their pre-season schedule with a fiery 1-1 draw at King’s Lynn Town on Tuesday night.
Michael Clunan’s second-half penalty put hosts Lynn ahead at The Walks, only for Bradley Barraclough to level on his bow.
Another debutant, Matt Varley, was sent off moments later for a tackle that incited a big brawl as they match finished with honours even.
Striker Barraclough, who Spalding are expecting big things from, was unlucky to see an early effort superbly saved by Luke Pearson as the sides went it level at half time.
Tulips’ skipper Nathan Stainfield went even closer minutes later with a header that came back off the foot of the post.
Lee Stevenson forced a smart save from Michael Duggan at the other end, as the sides went in level at the break.
Spalding triallist and half-time substitute Sidney Costa then conceded a penalty, allowing Clunan to break the deadlock.
However, Jacek Zielonka’s mistake allowed hitman Barraclough to open his Tulips account just minutes later.
Varley then saw red for a late tackle on Stevenson, who almost won it for the Linnets with a strike that came back off the angle of post and bar in the dying seconds.
- Pinchbeck United’s fine pre-season form continued with an impressive 3-0 victory over ChromaSport UCL Premier Division side Wisbech Town on Tuesday night.
Ollie Maltby (26), Jamie Francis (67) and Liam Ogden (penalty, 90) earned Ian Dunn’s side their third win on the spin and their best to date.
They are back in action at Long Sutton Athletic on Saturday (2pm).
- Holbeach United’s pre-season trip to Crowland Town on Tuesday night was cancelled.
The Tigers visit Oakham United on Saturday (1pm).
