Spalding United received a big boost ahead of the festive fixtures as they saw off League Two side Grimsby Town in the Lincolnshire County Cup on Tuesday.
After a thrilling 3-3 draw the Tulips despatched five perfect penalties and keeper Tony Breedon made the decisive save to take them through to the next round of the competition.
Grimsby brought a strong side to the Sir Halley including several first team players.
Spalding manager Elliot Sandy made a few changes, including giving himself a rare start.
But while Breedon made some brilliant saves, the Tulips looked dangerous throughout.
They took the lead in the 13th minute when a move ended with James Clifton’s shot being kept out but Tyler Winters pounced on the rebound.
Grimsby levelled on the 37th minute through Michee Efete. He put the Mariners in front and again it was Winters in poacher mood slotting home a deflected shot.
Spalding then took a 78th minute lead when Riley O’Sullivan was brought down in the area and he himself slotted home from 12 yards.
Grimsby threw everything at it and levelled in injury time through Harvey Tomlinson.
The game went to penalties with Jordan Graham, Sam Warbutron, Callum Westwood, O’Sullivan and Lewis Hilliard all stepping up to score and send them through.
“It was about using our squad and showing how good they are,” said Sandy. “The lads that came in were fantastic. The performance, the work rate.
“Some of these lads haven’t had the minutes they want but we’ve stuck together and we’ve that real team spirit that they want to fight for their shirt, the club and their teammates.
“Grimsby are a very strong side. They pass the ball around well and it took us a while to get used to how they were playing.
“We had to keep our shape well and the midfield worked tirelessly.
“We took our chance when it came with Tyler back in.
“The goals we conceded weren’t great.
“For all the play they had, they didn’t really break us down so they were poor goals to give away.
“But scoring three against a League Two side is great and I’m delighted to keep that unbeaten run going.
“The team spirit is great and the fans are happy.
“We’ve a big one Saturday now that we’ve got to prepare for.
“We’re in a really good place.”
Spalding now turn their attention back to the league looking to continue their winning run.
First of all they host Walsall Wood at the Sir Halley Stewart on Saturday before heading to Hinckley Leicester Road on Boxing Day who are one of the sides up there with the Tulips at the top of the Pitching In Northern Premier League Midlands Division.
Spalding are back at home on New Year’s Day when they host Cambridge City.
All of the fixtures are at 3pm.
It follows them beating bottom of the table AFC Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday.
Graham gave Spalding a fine start and a 15th minute lead.
The game turned within a few seconds in the 37th minute when Rushden hit the post from a free-kick and Spalding counter-attacked, Graham going through on goal but being pulled down by the defender in the penalty area.
He was shown a straight red and Graham himself scored the penalty to make it 2-0 at half time.
Despite dominating the second period with their man advantage, Spalding had to wait until the 86th minute to make it 3-0, Joe Curtis coming off the bench to score from outside the area.
“We should have really put the game to bed earlier, especially when they went down to ten men,” said Sandy. “We should have scored six or seven easily.
“I want perfection and it takes the pressure off the defenders when the forwards are putting the ball in the back of the net.
“Rushden dug in and worked so it’s been a more professional performance and I’m delighted with three points and three clean sheets on the bounce.”
Tulips v Grimsby Town: Breedon, Draper, Warburton, Sandy, Cartwright, Freeman, Barker, Curtis, Clifton, Winters, Snedden. Subs: Stainfield, Westwood, Hilliard, O’Sullivan, Graham, Sweeney.
Attendance: 222.
Tulips v Rushden and Diamonds: Breedon, Westwood, Warburton, Walker, Stainfield, Freeman, Hilliard, Barker, O’Sullivan, Draper. Subs Cartwright, Sandy, Snedden, Curtis, Hakeem.
Attendance: 285.
