Lincoln United 1
Spalding United 0
Spalding United slipped to their first BetVictor NPL South East Division of the season on Bank Holiday Monday.
A second-half penalty from Daniel North (77) fired Lincoln United to a 1-0 home success over the Tulips, who had previously boasted a 100 per cent record in the league.
The Tulips had the better of the first half at Lincoln, with Jenk Acar missing an early one at the near post following Lewis Brownhill’s through ball.
Acar then saw an even better chance cleared off the line by Mark Gray, while Kegan Everington saw his back-post header saved by Michael Emery.
Jamie Jackson also worked Emery after being slipped through by Acar, before Lincoln came into the game.
They were awarded a spot-kick 15 minutes from time when Taron Hare committed a foul, allowing North to slot home.
Scott Floyd fired wide as Spalding looked for a leveller, but the Whites held firm to secure what was their first league success of the season.
Boss Matt Easton said: “We probably should have been 2-0 up at half time. I thought we did OK on the day in tough conditions and played some good football in parts.
“We missed a few one-on-ones; had we taken those chances, it’s a different game.
“It wasn’t a great day overall, but it’s hard to be too tough on the lads. We took a few chances on the fitness of some places due to the amount of injuries that we’ve got and it almost paid off.
“I’m not going to be too hard on the lads, we’ve got a small squad and a lots of injuries.
“Overall I’m happy with the start.”
Tulips: Duggan, Hare, Spafford, Richards, Hugo, Zuerner (Hart 36 mins, Ramsden 78), Everington, Floyd, Brownhill, Acar, Jackson. Not used: Holliday, Frain, Smith.
Attendance: 213.
