LEEK TOWN 0
SPALDING UNITED 0
Not for the first time this season, Spalding United failed to convert a penalty as they missed out on some valuable Evo-Stik NPL First Division South points at Leek Town on Saturday.
Five minutes into the second half – after a nip-and-tuck opening 45 minutes – new signing Jamie Jackson was brought down by Ben Chapman, but the keeper made amends by saving Gary King’s subsequent spot-kick at the foot of a post.
It was an eventful day for the Tulips who, over the full 90 minutes, produced some excellent football.
New signing Jackson was a shining light at the head of the attack, while keeper Michael Duggan was on top of his game as he again claimed the man-of-the-match award.
But the team lost full-back Jack Fixter to a head injury after only five minutes and had to re-shuffle following the introduction of Ellis Humble.
The Tulips also played out the last 30 minutes with ten man after young defender Bradley Maslen-Jones sent off for a second caution.
However, Chris Rawlinson’s side dug in deep and never allowed the home team to make full use of having the extra player.
In fact, to a man, the Tulips were fully committed throughout, contributing excellently to and entertaining encounter which was superbly controlled by referee Darren Rogers and his two assistants.
Leek, who played some excellent passing football, were immediately out of the blocks, winning an early corner and carving out a couple of scoring opportunities.
The Tulips replied with Jackson showing a good turn of speed and some tricky footwork, only to be brought down by Pierce Bird just outside the penalty area. All this before the unfortunate injury to Fixter.
Football continued to be played at a pace and from end-to-end, with both goals under threat.
Duggan, star man for the second successive game, foiled Leek’s Jordan Johnson with a save at full stretch while at the other end Neal Spafford’s well delivered free-kick was blocked.
As the half drew to a close Jackson’s effort was palmed away by Chapman. Then, in the first minute after the break, home keeper Chapman was down smartly to gather the lively Jackson’s close range effort.
The 50th minute saw Jackson, who made 20 appearances for Chesterfield and 38 for FC Halifax but dropped out of the game 18 months ago, won a penalty – only to see King’s effort superbly saved by Chapman.
Ten minutes later the Tulips were down to ten men following the sending off of Maslen-Jones but the team made light of their reduced numbers, continuing to compete on terms with the home team.
However, they were indebted to keeper Duggan in injury time after he pulled off a tremendous near-post save to ensure a deserved share of the points for the men from the Sir Halley and extended their unbeaten run to three games.
Spalding visit Frickley Athletic on Tuesday night (7.45pm).
Tulips: Duggan, Fixter (Humble 5), Jackson, Marshall, Maslen-Jones, Spafford, Lemon, Whitehead, King, Jackson (Reittie 76), Acar (Fletcher 90). Not used: Lockie, Townrow.
MOTM: Michael Duggan.
Attendance: 270.
