Spalding United Reserves may have missed out on the title – but they can be very happy with their debut season in ChromaSport Peterborough League Division Two.
Kev Nottingham’s Tulips signed off a successful campaign with an exciting 4-3 victory over Netherton United A at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Saturday, while Peterborough ICA Sports were confirmed as champions as they won 6-2 at Oakham Reserves.
Second place and promotion was already assured for Spalding, who won 23 of their 30 games.
The league’s top goal scorer Edgaras Buzas opened the scoring with a tap in, but the lead didn’t last long. That’s because Paul Clark equalised when he spotted Tulips’ keeper Jay Haytree off his line as Netherton broke from defending a corner and beat him from 25 yards.
This spurred the home side on though and they went back ahead when a delicious back heel from Buzas fell into the path of Matthew Rose, who placed a curling effort inside the post to wrap up an excellent team goal.
Manager’s player of the year and players’ player of the year Jake Farrell then capped off an excellent season with number three.
The 17-year-old, son of Peterborough United legend David, converted a penalty mid-way through the first half.
Jake Owen pulled a goal back for the visitors just before the break, though, to make it just 3-2 in Spalding’s favour.
Any nerves the hosts may have had were eased when Jamie Cartlidge made it four shortly after half time.
There was a brief wobble when Miguel Nunes pulled another goal back with over 20 minutes to play, but the Tulips tightened up and saw the game out.
Spalding can look forward to derbies with Holbeach United Reserves, Sutton Bridge United and Moulton Harrox Reserves in Division One next season.
