Ahead of a huge Boxing Day fixture with Stamford, Spalding United moved into the Lincolnshire Senior Cup semi-finals by knocking out National North neighbours Boston United.
The Tulips continued their fine form to see off a side two levels above them in front of a crowd of 413 at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Tuesday night.
They produced a fine showing creating throughout with both Sam Cartwright and Charlie Hart going close before the Tulips took the lead in the 14th minute.
James Clifton out muscled a Boston defender to claim the ball before feeding Archie Jones who made no mistake with the finish.
The lead lasted just six minutes though. Boston, who made seven changes from their last match against Banbury, levelled after Jordan Burrow knocked down Joe Starbuck’s ball for Claudio Ofosu to net.
Boston had their tails up but Spalding defended well.
Keeper Michael Duggan saved well to keep a Starbuck effort out before the break.
Tulips manager Brett Whaley rang the changes at half time with Josh Moreman and Dylan Edge coming on and both making an impact but it was the introduction of Lewis Hilliard on the hour which turned the game Spalding’s way.
He scored with his first touch, beating a defender before the shot was bundled into the Boston goal.
Duggan denied Starbuck again as Boston looked for a leveller but it left them vulnerable to the counter.
The Spalding third came on 82 minutes with the subs combining, this time Hilliard with the through ball feeding Edge to score and make it 3-1.
The Tulips endured a nervy end after a brilliant finish from outside the area by Sam McLintock made it 3-2 with just two minutes left.
But Boston couldn’t muster another chance in the four minutes of stoppage time and Spalding United progressed to the semi-final.
It’s all ahead of the Christmas fixtures with Boxing Day seeing a tasty top of the Pitching In Northern Premier League Midlands Division table derby with Stamford.
The Tulips remain the only unbeaten side in England and will be looking to carry that on in to 2023.
The visitors to the Sir Halley Stewart for the 3pm kick off are a place and two points ahead of them in the table.
Spalding have played a game less than Stamford and leaders Halesowen Town who are three points ahead of the Tulips.
After that, the following Monday (January 2) is a trip to Yaxley who are bottom of the table and have just one point to their name after a winless start to the season.
Last Saturday’s scheduled match at Bedworth United was the Tulips’ second in a row to be called off due to a frozen pitch.
Tulips: Duggan, Hart (Marshall), Bucciero, Barker (Greenacre), Stainfield, Cartwright, Jones, Broccoli, Sandy (Moreman), Clifton, Draper (Edge). Subs not used: Peters.
Attendance: 413
