Spalding United 1
Leek Town 1
A last-gasp Chris Baker equaliser denied Spalding United a win on the final day of the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South season in what turned out to be Marcus Ebdon’s final game as boss.
The Tulips looked set to earn themselves a richly-deserved victory when talismanic skipper Nathan Stainfield headed them into a 1-0 lead on 65 minutes.
But Leek’s Baker raced clear in the final minute to dink a clever finish past Michael Duggan and deny Ebdon a winning send-off and a place in the top ten.
The ex-Peterborough United professional confirmed that he and number two Danny Hussey were leaving after the final whistle (see story here) – and was disappointed that he couldn’t sign off in style.
He said: “It would have been great to finish with a win as the lads played really well.
“I felt like we could have scored five or six goals if I’m honest. It was a bit disappointing to concede at the end as they did so well.
“I’m happy with how we’ve finished. Perhaps we could have got higher, but overall I’ve got no complaints.”
Spalding started much the better and went close when Tom Waumsley sliced wide when clean through on the left.
The industrious Waumsley then pulled off a super turn and 25-yard strike, but Leek keeper Chris Martin tipped over well.
The chances continued to flow for the hosts, with Dan Lawlor fizzing wide from distance and Sam Murphy heading a Stainfield delivery over at the back post.
Spalding went even closer when Charley Sanders, who played superbly, rattled the far post after going on a powerful run down the right-hand side.
After the break Sanders missed another presentable chance when he screwed wide at the near post as the hosts continued to boss things.
But they almost paid for their profligacy when Tim Grice turned Dan Shelley’s cross just over from close range.
That sparked Spalding back into life and they duly took the lead when Stainfield, who put in another man-of-the-match performance, buried a header from Lawlor’s corner.
Visitors Leek improved in the closing stages – and only a flying stop from Duggan denied sub Omar Haughton, whose lob looked destined for the top corner.
The keeper could do nothing about Baker’s last-minute leveller, however, despite the midfield man looking well offside.
The point leaves Spalding in 12th place, which represents a satisfactory season – and also an end of an era with Ebdon and Hussey departing.
Tulips: Duggan, Walker, Jackson, Stainfield, Spafford, Murphy, Lawlor, Curtis, Sanders, Waumsley (Lockie 85), Banister.
Attendance: 97.
