SHEFFIELD FC 5
SPALDING UTD 1
Chris Rawlinson admitted that he was “worried” by what he saw from his Spalding United side in their 5-1 loss at Sheffield FC on Tuesday night.
Waide Fairhurst fired the hosts ahead from the penalty spot on 18 minutes as the Tulips made a sloppy start to the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South showdown.
It was 2-0 when Andy Gascoigne (23) netted a left-footed finish, before Jamie Yates (44) curled home a classy free-kick to essentially put the game beyond Spalding at half-time.
Gary King did net a consolation goal for the Tulips on the hour, but Adam Chapman’s looping header restored Sheffield’s three-goal advantage two minutes later.
Things got even worse for Spalding when Fairhurst buried his second with a powerful effort on 66 minutes to wrap up the scoring.
Rawlinson said that his side were “awful” in the first half, claiming that only a handful of his players performed.
And he conceded that he may have to re-think his plans for next season in the wake of the drubbing.
Rawlinson said: “We were absolutely awful, especially in the first half.
“The lads have taken a lot of plaudits for our recent away form – but now they have to accept that they weren’t anywhere near good enough.
“The bare minimum that I expect is that the players run around and at least try. Only Ben Davison, Scott Floyd, James Hugo, Neal Spafford and Kern Miller can take any credit.
“A few weeks ago I felt like we’d be fine next season. But this performance has made me re-think my plans for next season a little.
“Fair play to Sheffield, they deserved their win. But I’ve got to admit, I’m a little worried by what I saw from the lads.”
The Tulips conclude their campaign on Saturday with a trip to county rivals Lincoln United (3pm).
Rawlinson has links with The Whites after spending a successful spell as Dave Frecklington’s number two and would relish a victory to round off a largely solid season for his side.
Tulips: Smith, Floyd, Hugo, Miller, Humble, Spafford, Fixter, Brooks, King, Davison, Acar. Subs: White, Couzens, Chipamaunga, G Stainfield, Duggan.
Attendance: 110.
