Tividale 1
Spalding United 1
Spalding United dropped out of the Evo-Stik League First Division South play-off places after being held to a 1-1 draw at Tividale on Tuesday night.
Matt Nolan fired the Tulips ahead on 35 minutes, only for the in-form hosts to hit back through Karl Edwards 15 minutes from time.
With Gresley beating Chasetown 2-1, the point leaves Pat Rayment’s side in sixth place ahead of Saturday’s season finale at Romulus (3pm).
The Tulips will now likely need to win that one and hope that either Sutton Coldfield lose at Norton United and/or that the Gresley versus Stafford Rangers result goes their way.
Fuming Spalding boss Rayment now reckons that his side have blown their play-off bid.
“Our performance was no different to the last few weeks,” said Rayment. “By that, I mean that it wasn’t anywhere near good enough.
“It was a very, very, very poor performance. Over the last few weeks, for some reason, a certain few players have all taken their foot off the pedal.
“We now find ourselves in a situation where we aren’t in control of our own destiny. I’m sorry, but for what these players are paid, we should have had our play-off place sewn up a long time ago.
“It shouldn’t have come to this, but here we are. Sadly there’s just not enough desire or professionalism on show from too many of the players.
“If you’re asking me now if I think we’ll make the play-offs now, my answer has to be no. We’ve blown it big time.”
Tulips: Pycock, Banister, Jackson, Stevens, N Stainfield (McGovern 46), Webb, Griffiths, Hall, Waumsley, Nolan (Vieira 80), Thurlbourne (Beeson 80). Not used: G Stainfield.
Tuesday’s results
Evo-Stik League First Division South: Gresley FC 2 Chasetown 1; Market Drayton Town 2 Kidsgrove Athletic 4; Sheffield FC 3 Carlton Town 2; Tividale 1 Spalding United 1.
