Spalding United bounced back with a win over fellow play off chasers Halesowen Town in the Pitching In Southern League Central Premier on Saturday.
First half goals from Bart Cybulski and Abduramane Sano-Sani earned the Tulips all three points
“I thought it was a fantastic performance,” said Tulips manager Jimmy Dean. “It was a big game for us after recent results and I think the boys showed that.
“They were outstanding, especially for the first 45 minutes and probably should have had a couple more.
“Certainly Halesowen came back into it and there was a couple of scary moments for us, but on the whole the boys defended the box really well.
“Aaron Chapman knows he cost us last week, but this week, the saves in the first and last minutes were Football League level quality saves.”
He continued that enforced changes due to the physical nature of the game meant his side weren’t as fluid in the second period.
“We did what good sides do; we stood up and was counted.
“The two centre halves Liam Moore and Sam Cartwright, were absolutely outstanding, as were the two full backs.
“All 11 were fantastic to be fair.
“The first goal encapsulated the whole performance. Bart probably should have let it go as I think Joe was unmarked at the back post, didn’t take a touch and got dispossessed of the ball.
“We do an awful lot in training with regards to reactions and turning the ball over.
“It’s fantastic to win it back in the area and then the finish was brilliant.”
Dean was also full of praise for the fans at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
“They’re brilliant and me and the boys really enjoy playing in front of them,” Dean said. “We endeavour to send them home happy every week.
“I don’t think anyone doubts that we run our socks off and give absolutely everything every single week.
“As a starting point that’s what any fan wants to see from their side.
“We’re doing everything we can to get up the league.
“It’s not easy as there are a lot of good sides in this league and on any given day, anyone can beat anyone.”
The Tulips face consecutive away games next with a visit to Leiston on Saturday followed by a trip to Bishop’s Stortford on Tuesday night.
Spalding are five points off the play-off places and four behind Leiston.
“We played them early-doors and their front two were electric,” Dean continued. “We’ll have to wrap a few in cotton wool ahead of a tough week.”
Tulips: Chapman, Walker, Fox, Moore, Cartwright, Lawlor, Sembie-Ferris, Freeman, Cybulski, Sano-Sani, Haywema. Subs: Clifton, Sherif, Chettle, Leshabela, Law.
Attendance: 516
Pictures by Adrian Smith.
