Tulips and Tigers both suffer disappointing away defeats

Tuesday proved a night to forget for South Holland duo Spalding United and Holbeach United as both slipped to potentially costly defeats.

In Evo-Stik League First Division South, boss Pat Rayment was sent off as Spalding slipped to a 1-0 loss at play-off rivals Gresley.

Skipper Jamie Barrett netted the only goal for hosts Gresley on 22 minutes, while Alex Steadman missed a late penalty.

Tulips chief Rayment said: “It was a poor performance, we offered absolutely nothing in the second half.

“We’re just not playing well at the moment and are a pale shadow of the side that we were earlier in the season.

“About half of the team may as well have been sat on the bench with me, they really didn’t turn up. I’ve got good players here, but sadly they didn’t perform tonight.

“I thought the officials were useless and I told the referee what I was thinking. That’s why he sent me off. Everyone else was thinking the same.”

Holbeach, meanwhile, lost 2-1 at Desborough Town as they conceded more ground in the race for the UCL Premier Division title.

Second-half strikes from Liam Boath (55) and Luke Cummins (72) did the business for Ar Tarn, rendering Jordan Drury’s first goal for the club late on (80) as mere consolation.

Holbeach were massively under-strength and handed starts to reserve team players Glen Wells, Jordan Keeble and Cymon Lambe. Manager John Chand was among those unable to travel.

The defeat leaves the Tigers in fifth place, with Thurnby Nirvana leapfrogging them into fourth.

Wisbech Town won the big UCL game of the night as they saw off Yaxley 3-2. That leaves Holbeach eight points behind the second-placed Fenmen with a game in hand and 12 points behind leaders AFC Rushden and Diamonds with two games in hand.