Spalding were toppled from pole position in the East Men’s League Premier B Division after a frustrating draw against struggling Old Southendians on Saturday.
Stuart Cunnington had given Spalding the lead only for the visitors to equalise from a short corner which had been awarded following a defensive error.
Spalding spent the majority of the second half piling on the pressure, but it was Old Southendian who took the lead, again from a short corner won through an error from the home side.
Spalding upped the tempo even more in the last 15 minutes and were eventually awarded a penalty stroke for a body stopping the ball on the goalline and Connor Allen converted at the second attempt.
A late goal condemned Spalding 2nds to a narrow 2-1 away loss at St Neots in Division 3NW.
Strong resolute defending had kept Spalding in the contest and, as they grew into the game, they levelled when debutant Stuart Perkins squared for Pete Wright to convert from close range.
The second half was a close contest with St Neots making the crucial breakthrough with just eight minutes of the match remaining.
Despite the defeat, it was another improved performance and Spalding remain upbeat that their time will come.
Spalding 3rds had several senior players missing as they suffered a 4-0 home reversal against Leadenham in the same division.
The 4ths received a 5-0 walkover win in Division 6NW as visitors Louth 2nds were unable to field a team.
Thomas Scuffham scored his first-ever senior goal as Spalding 5ths ran out 4-1 winners away at Wisbech 4ths.
The two sides had gone in at half-time on level terms after Andy Barlow had fired Spalding ahead.
Spalding piled on the pressure after the break and were rewarded with Barlow bagging a second and James Reston joining Scuffham on the scoresheet.
Spalding Ladies maintained their lofty position in Division 2NW with a 5-1 away win at Cambridge University 3rds.
The 2nds, however, suffered a 6-1 home loss in Division 3NW against a very strong Cambridge South side who currently top the table.
The young development team in the 3rds produced another convincing performance to win 8-0 away at Woodhall Spa.
Jessica Langford (3), Joan Lavery (2), Elizabeth Gray (1), Katie Beeson (2) were on the scoresheet as Spalding dominated the game from start to finish.
The victory also marked a sixth successive game without conceding a goal.
