A last-gasp header from Nathan Stainfield earned Spalding United a 1-1 Emirates FA Cup draw against Kettering Town on Saturday, while Pinchbeck United drew 2-2 at Heather St John’s and Holbeach United were hammered 6-0 at Anstey Nomads.
Starting with Spalding, they kept themselves in the FA Cup with a very impressive draw against higher-graded opposition.
It looked like Gaby Zakuani’s side were bowing out when Yaw Nantwi-Ofusu put Kettering ahead 15 minutes from time at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
But defender Stainfield, who was captain on the day, headed home a dramatic leveller from a corner to book a replay at Kettering on Tuesday night (7.45pm).
Meanwhile, Pinchbeck made it four games unbeaten in the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North after holding their high-flying hosts.
Warren Hebblethwaite (3) gave the Knights an early lead, only for Sam Ellis (6) to level almost immediately.
Lewis Thorogood’s side went back into the lead through Jordan Neil (36), but St John’s once again replied through Ellis 60 seconds later.
No goals followed in the second half, but keeper Alex Smith made a crucial penalty save 20 minutes from time to earn Pinchbeck a point against a side that went top of the table thanks to the draw.
It wasn’t such a good day for Holbeach, though, as they dropped into the bottom two after a humbling at high-flying Anstey.
Rhys Darby Dolan (4), Jozsef Keaveny (5), Corey Armeni (27), Ben Gowing (44) and Michael Reeve (48 and 59) got the goals as the Tigers’ winless run stretched to seven in the league.
More to follow.
