Spalding United 1
Stafford Rangers 2
Spalding United put in a spirited display against Stafford Rangers in the FA Trophy on Saturday but fell to a Kaiman Anderson first half double.
The visitors to the Sir Halley Stewart are flying high in the Pitching In Northern Premier League but were pushed all the way by the Tulips in front of a crowd of 285.
After an even opening Stafford took a 14th minute lead from a corner won after strong shouts for a penalty were ignored.
The kick to the back post was headed back by Derek Ubah where Anderson headed home from close range.
The lead lasted just four minutes though as James Clifton brought a long ball down and improvised a cross into the centre of the area where Bradley Rolt was on hand to tuck the ball home.
Tulips keeper Michael Duggan came out several times to deal with high balls but Spalding largely defended well until first half injury time when Anderson, surrounded by defenders received the ball with his back to goal, but was able to turn and fire home for a 2-1 half time lead.
The home side’s boss Brett Whaley would otherwise be delighted with the defensive showing and the fact that they restricted their higher league opponents to very few chances.
Sub Joe Dunne blazed over the bar early in the second period but otherwise Stafford were frustrated by a series of blocks.
Spalding also regularly caused problems from set pieces, though after winning the first header the ball frequently didn’t drop their way in the area.
Duggan came up for one such corner late on and Stafford broke down the left, but just as Joe Kenton was about to roll the ball into an empty net, Kyle Barker came in with a goal saving tackle.
Stafford though hung on to move into the next round of the competition.
It’s back to league action this week for the Tulips as they visit St Neots Town on Saturday before hosting Corby Town at the Sir Halley Stewart on Tuesday night in a 7.45pm kick off.
