Chasetown 1
Spalding United 1
Early-season leaders Spalding United maintained their unbeaten start to the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South campaign with a hard earned point at mid-table Chasetown on Saturday.
With rain tumbling down throughout the afternoon at The Scholars Ground, conditions were difficult for the players – but they contrived to provide an exciting encounter with the final result a fair reflection of the game.
Chasetown are arguably the best footballing side encountered by the Tulips so far this season – and they did exceptionally well to contain them at periods during the game with some sound defensive play, typified by the excellence of Paul Walker who was moved from his regular full-back position to the midfield to cover the loss of suspended Neal Spafford.
The Tulips got off to a flying start with a goal inside the opening two minutes. Jordan Lemon made ground down the right side and pinged over a great cross to the far side of the home penalty area.
A defender misjudged the bounce and – quick as a flash – leading scorer Bradley Wells nipped in to score his 11th league goal of the season.
Only an outstretched leg in a packed Tulips area denied Chasetown a 15th minute equaliser, while soon after Michael Duggan failed to keep hold of a slippery ball and it was left to Nathan Whitehead to clear the danger.
The home team then enjoyed a hot spell of possession and Duggan produced a couple of excellent stops to deny Nathan Rooney and Mitchell Piggon.
At the other end, a trademark long throw by Matt Varley created a scramble in the home area. It was like a pinball table with the ball bobbling from one foot to another before being cleared.
The home team’s pressure, however, brought its reward five minutes after the interval.
Matt Curley’s cross was missed by Duggan and James Dance’s header found the woodwork, but Piggon was on hand to slot in the rebound.
As the Tulips responded Wells beat off a couple of penalty area challenges to force a good reflex save from Curtis Pond.
On the hour the Tulips goal-getter, closely marked throughout, could have been awarded a penalty for a shirt tugging and arm wrestling episode, but the referee was not interested in the appeals.
Both sides could have won it late on as Duggan pulled off another good save following a corner while, in the fourth minute of added time, Wells’ far-post header from a Varley throw sailed over the home bar.
In the end a draw was the right result – and kept the Tulips in command at the top of the table.
Tulips chief Dave Frecklington said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the point. Chasetown are by far the best side we’ve played so far in this league.
“They recruited really well in the summer and have a lot of players that won this league last season.
“Obviously we got ahead early and that gave us something to defend. The lads put in an incredible shift and worked hard for the point.
“I thought our performance was different class yet again – and it doesn’t matter if you’re top or bottom, a draw at Chasetown is a top result.”
Tulips: Duggan, Lemon, Cullingworth, Varley, Stainfield, Walker, Acar, Whitehead, Downey (Field 89), Wells, Wright (Lockie 76). Not used: Vince.
MOTM: Paul Walker.
Attendance: 187
