Spalding United 2
Bedworth United 2
After 12 games Spalding United remain the only unbeaten side in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Midlands, but only just after late drama on Saturday.
Bedworth looked to have snatched a dramatic win after taking an 88th minute lead at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Saturday.
But deep in to stoppage time Nathan Stainfield was on the end of a free kick into the box to make it 2-2 and earn Brett Whaley’s side a point.
In front of another good crowd of 254, the Tulips nearly gained a fifth-minute lead when James Clifton played Elliot Sandy through on goal but from an angle, he beat the keeper but guided the ball just the wrong side of the post.
Seven minutes later Sam Cartwright had his head in his hands as his free header from a Clifton free kick from the left was headed straight into Bedworth keeper Sam Lomax’s hands.
Sandy had a nice turn and shot from outside the box, well kept out by the stopper before Clifton put an effort from a similar distance.
A Dylan Edge effort from even further out dipped viciously but not enough to test the keeper.
Just before the half ended the visitors had their best opportunity but an isolated Tristan Dunkley fired wide after running at the Tulips defence.
Bedworth came out for the second half looking the better side with their forwards connecting well.
They took a 59th minute lead thanks to a bit of skill from Curvin Sanderson-Ellis. With his back to goal he controlled the ball off his knee perfectly to twist and curl a volley into the corner of Michael Duggan’s goal.
The Tulips were fortunate they didn’t concede from a corner moments later as a host of Bedford players were inches from a tap in.
But they regained the lead with their own bit of brilliance from Sandy in the 69th minute.
He too was heading away from goal when he expertly controlled the ball off his thigh, used his second touch to spin away from the defender and then fired into the top right hand corner of the net.
Tulips sub Aaron Hart had a shot blocked as both sides battled to take all three points.
In the 88th minute Bedworth thought they had them when Stainfield was beaten to the bobbling ball in the area by Liam Murphy who squared to DeSean Martin and guided the ball into the top corner.
For the second time in three weeks at home though, Spalding came back to make it 2-2.
The equaliser came in the 95th minute from a free kick from the right delayed after a melee between the players.
Bedworth defender Kyle Barnett got there first ahead of the diving keeper but could only divert it to the back post where Stainfield was on hand with a diving header to earn the point.
Next up for the Tulips is a visit to Harborough Town before they’re back at the Sir Halley on Tuesday night when Chasetown are the visitors in a 7.30pm kick off.
