Spalding United climbed one step nearer to the play-off positions in Evo-Stik League Division One South at the Sir Halley Stewart Field on Saturday following a comprehensive 4-0 victory over a fancied Stafford Rangers side.
The Tulips leap-frogged their rivals into sixth position with two goals in each half of a competitive encounter enjoyed by 207 fans – the best attendance of the season so far.
On the mark were recent new signing Jordan Hempenstall (2), Tom Waumsley and Nathan Stainfield.
Throughout the game the Tulips were cheered on by a 20-strong “Blue Army” contingent of young fans seated high up in the stands which was much appreciated by the players.
Early stages of the game gave little indication of what was to follow and it took a strike of real class after 36 minutes to ignite the fuse. An excellent sequence of passes down the left side between Adam Jackson, Tom Waumsley and Jamie Thurlbourne opened up the Rangers defence and Thurlbourne’s final cross found Jordan Hempenstall in space just outside the penalty area and his sweetly struck volley rocketed into the net , giving keeper Adam Whitehouse no chance.
The Tulips lead was doubled four minutes later with Nathan Stainfield getting a vital touch in a crowded goalmouth to nudge the ball home at the foot of a post.
Having won the early physical battle the scene was now set for the Tulips to largely dominate the game with some impressive, quality football. Such was their control of the game that goalkeeper Michael Duggan had just two saves to make during the entire game and these he carried out with consummate ease.
Two goals to the good at the interval and the Tulips were buzzing, leaving the ‘ battlefield’ with huge smiles on their faces.
Waumsley was just inches away from increasing the lead in the opening minute of the second half when his close range effort was deflected away for a corner.
Shortly afterwards a deep clearance by Stainfield found the mobile Hempenstall racing towards the visitors’ goal but his neat lob over advancing defenders dipped just wide of the target. Another opening for the Tulips’ new boy arrived on 58 minutes but again he failed to adds to his score.
Rangers continued their battle to get back into the game, but were really up against the odds after 65 minutes when Waumsley knocked in his 15th goal in all competitions this season, taking advantage when Rangers failed to clear Lewis Webb’s knock-on inside the area.
The pressure on the visitors did not relent and they had goalkeeper Whitehouse to thank for denying the Tulips further with two tremendous reflex saves in quick succession.
Substitute Ryan Wynter featured well in a Rangers attack ten minutes from time but his well-struck shot was comfortably held low down by Duggan whose effort brought considerable appreciation from the ‘Blue Army’.
Some neat passing between Spalding sub Andrew Tidswell, Jack McGovern (who had another sound game in midfield) and Hempenstall ended with Tidswell’s diving header rebounding from the woodwork.
Four minutes from time Rangers’ misery was compounded when Hempenstall nodded in his second goal of the game.
Tulips: Duggan, Leary, Jackson, Stevens, N Stainfield, Webb, Griiffiths (L Thurlbourne 78mins), McGovern (Nuttell 86mins), Hempenstall, Waumsley (Tidswell 75mins), J Thurlbourne. Subs (not used): Oliver, G Stainfield.
Spalding Supporters’ Association man-of-the match: Nathan Stainfield.
Attendance: 207
