SPALDING UNITED 1
BELPER TOWN 1
Both teams were happy to share the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South spoils after toiling against a biting cross-field wind with a chill factor well below zero temperature at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Saturday.
Despite the arctic conditions, action on the pitch was warming for the faithful fans of both Spalding United and Belper Town.
There were differing styles of play from the two teams which added to the entertainment, but no one would have been more delighted when the final whistle sounded, enabling them to get home from the bitter cold to some welcoming warm temperatures.
The Tulips gained early advantage when Cenk Acar was tumbled after a jinking run into the 18-yards area and Danny Brooks slotted in the resulting 11th minute penalty, sending goalkeeper Joe Searson-Smithyard into the wrong direction.
Minutes later only a goal-line clearance by teenager James Hugo denied Belper’s experienced midfielder Dominic Allen an immediate leveller.
Another swift response by the Derbyshire visitors was initiated by the lively and talented Dylan Garnett – but his ultimate cross was somehow scooped over the bar from four yards by Allen.
But the Tulips, strengthened in defence by the returning Kern Miller and solid performances by keeper Michael Duggan, Ellis Humble, skipper Neal Spafford, Jack Fixter and Hugo were in no mood to relinquish their advantage and created their own opportunities.
Matt Varley, Brooks and Conor Marshall provided the midfield support and Acar and Luke White working in tandem up front.
The Tulips were just inches away from extending their lead five minutes before the interval.
A Brooks corner was headed back over the area by Miller to find Lincoln City’s on loan scholar White, who shot narrowly over the bar.
The second half play flowed in much the same way as the first, from end-to-end and the scores were level just after the hour with Lee Williamson curling in free kick from the edge of the D to give Duggan no chance.
The chances continued to flow, as Callum Lloyd was near to putting his team into the lead while at the other end Tulips’ man-of-the-match Acar was denied by an excellently timed tackle by Haydn Goddard.
Brooks also saw a 25-yard strike whistled inches past a post, but neither side could find a late winner.
Spalding boss Chris Rawlinson felt a draw was a fair reflection of the game and admitted that Williamson’s free-kick was good enough to secure Belper a draw.
Boss Rawlinson said: “The weather conditions affected the game and made it very difficult.
“Belper played some nice football and we saw two completely different styles although play was quite even.
“We can’t argue with the result because their free-kick was worthy of a point in any game.
“Our late pressure maybe could have nicked a goal but we looked a little bit short because of injuries and suspensions.”
Spalding’s game at Gresley on Tuesday night has been postponed.
Tulips: Duggan, Miller, Hugo, Varley, Humble, Spafford, Fixter, Brooks, White, Marshall (Walker 80), Acar. Not used: Floyd, Davison, Moulds, Smith.
Attendance: 69.
MOTM (sponsored by Lisa and Dave from Boston Anoraks): Cenk Acar.
