Stamford 1
Spalding United 2
Comeback kings Spalding United enhanced their Evo-Stik NPL First Division South title credentials with an impressive 2-1 victory at Lincolnshire rivals Stamford on Monday.
The Tulips battled back from falling behind to a classy Jamie McGhee goal (16) at The Zeeco Stadium thanks to strikes in each half from ex-Stamford duo Brad Wells (25) and Jordan Lemon (76) to complete a double over the Daniels.
Spalding’s fifth win on the spin also sends them top of the table for the first time in a few months, although second-placed Shaw Lane AFC do have four games in hand.
Buzzing boss Dave Frecklington felt his side were value for the three points against Graham Drury’s Daniels – and admitted that his side are revelling in proving other teams in the league wrong.
“I’m delighted with the performance,” said the Tulips chief. “I thought they started the game a lot better than us and you could tell what they were trying to do by their team selection.
“For large spells in the first half they were much the better side and deservedly went ahead with a really good goal – although we were disappointed with ourselves defensively.
“But we got level and improved in the second half. We’re starting to really grind teams down with the way we play – and we don’t get a lot of credit for that.
“In general, we don’t get much credit. Teams are always saying ‘how are they top of the league?’ and stuff like that. It’s brilliant, we love that!
“We’re just good at what we do. We’re not a pretty team to watch, but we’re effective. That’s what this league is about, you have to be big and strong.
“Saying that, I thought our winning goal was top class. Jordan (Lemon) ran 80 yards and it was a great little slot from Brad Barraclough – you can’t tell me that’s not a great goal at any level.
“Once we got in front, I thought we saw the game out really well. We ran the clock down and every player was amazing.
“We knew that a win would send us top and that means a lot to the lads. They’ve got the bit between their teeth and hopefully we can really kick on now.
“Graham Drury is a top manager, he’s not daft. He’s been around the block and knows what he’s doing.
“So to do the double over Stamford in my first season here is massive for us. They are a big club with a big following, we’ve come away from home and beaten a really good side.
“They can beat a lot of teams this year, it’s never an easy place to come. They are going to get better, but I just thought we were the stronger side in the second half.”
Spalding, who were without regular number one Michael Duggan through injury, settled pretty well at the Zeeco.
But his replacement Sam Vince was forced to make the first save of the afternoon, keeping out Jordan Smith from point-blank range.
Courtney Meade then lashed a long-ranger wide as the pressure built – making it no surprise that the hosts grabbed the opener minutes later.
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It was Meade again who caused havoc, sending in a delicious cross from the right for McGhee to meet with a flying diving header that gave Vince no chance.
Smith then nodded another big chance wide for the Daniels, who were causing Frecklington’s charges all sorts of problems.
But Spalding are a resilient bunch these days and they soon hit back when Wells buried his 20th of the season. The striker, discarded by Stamford in the summer, notched from close range at the back post following a header across goal from skipper Nathan Stainfield.
The chances continued to flow for both sides in the first half, with Meade seeing a dangerous effort deflect just wide and Matt Varley heading a Conor Higginson corner into the side-netting at the back post.
Brad Barraclough also forced a low save from Donkin in the final attack of the half as he raced through on the right, but the sides went in level at 1-1.
Spalding emerged much the stronger side in the second period, with Stamford failing to register a single attempt on their goal.
At the other end, Donkin was forced to make a stunning save to deny Wells, who smashed a powerful volley towards goal from six yards. From the resultant corner, Stainfield saw a typically towering header kicked off the line.
Donkin was back in action to turn Higginson’s long-range free kick over the bar, but could do nothing about Lemon’s classy winner 14 minutes from time.
Barraclough and Wells combined superbly in the build-up, before the former slotted an expert pass through for the galloping Lemon. It looked like the angle would be too tough for him, but the wideman somehow squeezed his strike home to spark wild celebrations from the visitors.
The Tulips had no trouble seeing the final few minutes out as they once again proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the title race.
Tulips: Vince, Walker, Jackson, Varley, Stainfield, Spafford, Lemon, Whitehead, Wells, Barraclough (Lockie 86), Higginson (Field 79). Not used: Wightwick, Fleming.
Attendance: 487.
