Boss Dave Frecklington insists that nobody is pushing the panic button at Spalding United following Saturday’s 5-2 friendly humbling at Yaxley.
Two goals from new striker Bradley Barraclough (including a last-gasp penalty) were scant consolation for the Tulips at In2itive Park, as Dan Cotton (2), Phil Stebbing (2) and Scott Bogusz all bagged for the lower-graded Cuckoos.
It was the first defeat the new Spalding supremo has suffered since joining the club from Lincoln United over the summer, but not one he’ll lose too much sleep over.
Instead, Frecklington believes the defeat against ChromaSport UCL Premier Division opposition will serve as a timely wake-up call for the Tulips ahead of the start of the new Evo-Stik NPL Division One campaign at Bedworth United on August 13.
“The Yaxley defeat is a learning curve for us all,” said Frecklington “It was a surprise to see us defend so poorly, especially as it was the same back four that played so well against Boston United.
“But credit to them, they have a way of playing on that 4G surface and they were much better than us on the day.
“I’m not going to read too much into it as we were missing a few players. That’s what pre-season is all about, sometimes you need a setback like that to re-focus the players.
“We’re close to finalising the squad now and still have a few triallists to run the rule over. But the aim now is to get all of our players out on the pitch and start to build up some momentum ahead of the competitive games.”
The next of those competitive games is at Stamford in the semi-final of the Lincs Senior Cup on August 6. Lying in wait for the winners are Frecklington’s former side Lincoln United, who he left at the end of last season after three good years.
New Lincoln chief Sam Wilkinson is already on record as saying he’d like to meet the Tulips in the final, declaring that It would “definitely add a bit of spice” if they were to go head-to-head.
Frecklington – who publically praised the Whites on Twitter after they stunned Lincoln City 2-0 in Saturday’s semi – is already looking forward to that last four tie and would love a clash with his old charges, but feels Stamford will be a tough nut to crack.
“Sam’s comments made me smile,” added the Tulips chief. “Obviously I feel the same, it’d be nice to play them so soon after leaving.
“I’d love to reach a cup final here and to play Lincoln United would be great, they did superbly well to beat Lincoln City.
“Stamford are a very good side, though. If I had to pick a favourite to win our league at this stage it’d be them, they have a very strong squad.
“We’ve got a few fixtures before that one, but hopefully we’ll have a settled side by then – I don’t think we’ve had our best 11 out yet.”
One player likely to be a part of the Tulips’ strongest side is new signing Sam Downey. Formerly of Stamford, Corby Town and North Ferriby, the creative midfielder penned a deal to play at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field last week.
Frecklington feels that he’ll compliment combative duo Nathan Whitehead and Matt Varley well in midfield and is pleased to have got his man.
The Tulips boss has also landed wingers Jenk Acar and Andrew Wright on three-month loans from Lincoln City.
He added: “I’m delighted that we’ve secured Sam. He’s a player with a lot of energy and creativity.
“He’ll compliment Nathan and Matt really well and will certainly ask defences a lot of questions.
“We’re also delighted to get Jenk and Andrew. We need competition for places with only Chris Hamilton and Jonny Lockie as our other options out wide.”
Spalding host UCL Premier Division side Boston Town tonnight (Wednesday, 7.45pm).
They then visit fellow UCL side Peterborough Northern Star on Saturday (3pm), before a tasty-looking friendly at South Holland rivals Holbeach United on Tuesday (7.45pm).
