Romulus 1, Spalding United 2
The Tulips maintained their second placing in Evo Stik NPL First Division South with another stat for the record books – their first ever victory over Romulus at Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield.
This was the second successive game in which the Tulips had made such a claim, having done the same at Sheffield FC’s Home of Football Stadium the previous week.
Once again the Tulips turned in a highly creditable performance with Cenk Acar (again from the penalty spot) and leading scorer Bradley Wells (back on the goal trail after a three-match blank run), on target in the first half.
Unfortunately , despite numerous attempts, they failed to add to their tally after the interval, despite The Roms being down to ten men following the dismissal of Ricardo Dudley for a second ‘yellow’ following a foul on the lively Acar.
The Tulips took a while to settle on the alien 3g surface but gradually stamped their authority on proceedings. Mid-distance in the first half good work by Wells resulted in a precision cross into the home area which just eluded the advancing Chris Hamilton. Within minutes Cenk Acar saw his close range effort deflected just off target.
Then Hamilton, returning to action following a lengthy absence through injury, had a free kick pushed onto and over the bar by ‘keeper Rhys Bills. The following corner kick was cleared from the 18 yards area, but only to Andy Wright who unleashed a thunderous shot which Bills superbly saved.
Little had been seen of the home attack force but they did break quickly and in a four against two assault brought a good save from Michael Duggan.
Play immediately turned back to the other end. Wells and Acar combined down the left side and the latter was tripped in the box by Malachi Farquharson. And the Lincoln City loanee made no mistake with the spot kick to give the Tulips a 35th minute lead.
As the half edged into added time Wells forced home Hamilton’s free kick from close range to double the Tulips’ lead. Immediately Dudley received his second caution and took no further part in the game.
Wells had the ball in the Rom’s net again on 62 minutes but the goal was disallowed for an infringement on ‘keeper Bills.
Hamilton drove a good effort just over a top angle of the goal but it was the home team who found the net to reduce arrears in the 73rd minute, Liam Hailey smashing a low shot in off a post from inside the area.
The Roms featured more prominently in the closing stages but the Tulips defended superbly to secure all three points.
Tulips: Michael Duggan, Jordan Lemon, Paul Walker, Matt Varley, Nathan Stainfield, Charlie Gatter, Chris Hamilton (Dan Durkin 77mins), Nathan Whitehead, Bradley Wells, Andy Wright, Cenk Acar. Subs (not used) Sam Downey, Jason Field, Jonny Lockie, Connor Higginson.
MoM: Wells. Attendance: 85.
