Newcastle Town 0 Spalding United 2
In-form Spalding United racked up another impressive victory on Tuesday night as they won 2-0 at Newcastle Town to progress in the Isuzu FA Trophy.
In a game that was previously scheduled for Saturday but was rearranged due to The Queen’s death last week, a 20th-minute own goal and Elliot Sandy’s strike eight minutes from time settled the contest in the Tulips’ favour.
Hosts Newcastle had previously been unbeaten in all fixtures so far this season, making it an impressive scalp for Brett Whaley’s side in the first qualifying round.
Spalding will now make the trip to league rivals Dereham Town in the second qualifying round on Saturday, September 24.
After an even start, it was the Tulips who went ahead when a crunching Archie Jones tackle broke up play, starting an attack that saw the ball come off Toby Hilliard and then a home defender before hitting the back of the net.
At the other end, stalwart keeper Michael Duggan was forced into fine saves in the second half – including stopping a one-on-one 20 minutes from time.
Sub Sandy, who later hit the post, then sealed the victory when he raced onto a through ball from James Clifton and finished superbly to seal the Tulips’ place in the next round of the competition.
Spalding now turn their attention back to the Pitching In NPL Midlands Division as they make the trip to Hinckley LRFC on Saturday (3pm).
Their opponents have won just once in the league so far this season and sit fourth-from-bottom in the early table.
Tuesday night then sees the Tulips in Lincs Senior Cup action as they welcome Grimsby Borough to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field (7.45pm).
Tulips: Duggan, Bucciero, Gille, Barker, Stainfield, Cartwright, Jones, Clifton, Hilliard (Sandy 76), O’Brien (Draper 69), Edge (Rolt 63). Not used: Marshall, Moreman.
Attendance: 84.
