Huntingdon Town handed champions Spalding United their first away defeat of the UCL Premier Division season on Saturday as they won 2-0 at Jubilee Park, while Holbeach United picked up an impressive 2-0 triumph at rivals Wisbech Town.
In undoubtedly the game of the day anywhere in the UCL, Spalding were left stunned by second-half strikes from Declan Rogers (58) and Ben Seymour-Shove as they lost for only the second time in the league this term.
The first period had a very ‘end of season’ feel, with neither side doing enough to go ahead. Lee Beeson’s fierce 25-yard drive stung the palms of Ryan Rayner in what was the Tulips’ best chance, while Dan Cotton blazed a half-volley over from just outside the box.
At the other end, a Rogers corner wreaked havoc as it flashed across the face of goal – but the hosts created little else.
That all changed in the second period, with Rogers firing Town ahead from their first attempt on target. He broke clear on the right and lashed a fierce drive across the goal, with Tom Roberts unlucky not to keep it out after getting fingertips on the ball.
The dangerous Seymour-Shove then dragged a good chance wide after getting in on the left-hand side, with Spalding looking a little shell-shocked.
Tulips sub Danny Steadman and fellow midfielder Lewis Webb both had strikes blocked as the visitors searched for a leveller, but it was Huntingdon who now looked the more likely and they rattled the far post when Seymour-Shove unleashed a low cross-shot from the right.
Josh Ford then saw a late effort ruled out for offside, before the home side sealed a famous victory when top scorer Seymour-Shove got in behind Adam Jackson and calmly finished past Roberts after racing unopposed from the half-way line.
Spalding felt the striker was offside, but the elated Huntingdon players and fans didn’t care one jot.
With two games left – Huntindon at home on Saturday (3pm) and Deeping Rangers away on Easter Monday (3pm) – Spalding must now win both if they are to finish on 100 points for the season.
Meanwhile, Holbeach picked up one of their best wins of the season so far as they upset hosts Wisbech.
Kieron Elliott’s (20) second goal in as many games put Glen Maddison’s men 1-0 up at the break, before Tom Sergeant’s header (65) completed a cracking derby victory.
The victory keeps the Tigers in the hunt for a finish in the top seven with just three games left to play. They are Wellingborough away on Tuesday (7.45pm), Deeping away on Saturday (3pm) and Wisbech at home on Easter Monday (3pm).
RESULTS
UCL Premier Division: Huntingdon Town 2 Spalding United 0; Newport Pagnell Town 1 Harborough Town 1; Northampton Sileby Rangers 1 AFC Kempston Rovers 2; Stewarts & Lloyds Corby 0 Sleaford Town 2; Wellingborough Town 1 Cogenhoe United 2; Wisbech Town 0 Holbeach United 2; AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1 Yaxley 0 (Friday).
UCL Division One: Bourne Town 0 Eynesbury Rovers 2; Lutterworth Athletic 2 Irchester United 3’ Northampton ON Chenecks 3 Potton United 2; Oadby Town 1 Harrowby United 1; Olney Town 2 Rushden and Higham United 1; Rothwell Corinthians 0 Raunds Town 3; St Neots Town Saints 1 Blackstones 3; Woodford United 0 Northampton Spencer 6.
All Peterborough League and Boston League results will be online tomorrow with a round-up.
