Pat Rayment has admitted that things went ‘horribly wrong’ for his side during Saturday’s 4-1 friendly loss to King’s Lynn Town.
David Bell (pen 3 and pen 45), ex-Tulip Ross Watson (58) and Michael Frew (81) all bagged for the Linnets at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, with Jordan Thomas (48) grabbing a consolation for the hosts (see report here).
Spalding were missing several key men – including Mark Jones, Julian Kelly and Lewis Webb – and were up against a largely full strength Lynn outfit, who are among the top sides in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division.
Boss Rayment wasn’t too harsh on his side, who had been unbeaten in pre-season prior to the clash. But he was worried by the lack of flexibility his charges showed as he and number two Marcus Ebdon trialed a 4-3-3 system for the first time.
“Due to people being away, it was always going to be tough for us,” said UCL Premier Division title-winning chief Rayment. “Marcus and myself thought that would give us the chance to try a new system.
“But it went horribly wrong. It was a reality check for us and it’s fair to say we won’t be trying it again.
“Lynn had that extra sharpness and I think they were close to full strength. For me, they are a team that can challenge for the play-offs next season – and we wish them well.
“Saying that, we have come down a few notches since Tuesday (1-0 win over Boston United). We looked very light up front – but Jordan Thomas showed what he can do with a sensational goal.
“We’re wrapping Andrew Tidswell up in cotton wool, but it was good for him to get another 45 minutes.”
Spalding visit St Neots on Tuesday night (7.45pm) and Yaxley on Thursday (7.45pm).
