Histon 1 Spalding United 1
A second-half goal from new signing Ben Seymour-Shove earned Spalding United a 1-1 draw at Histon on Saturday in what was Brett Whaley’s first game as boss.
Whaley, who was named as the new permanent Tulips chief just before Christmas (more on page 23), would have been hoping that his new side would end their four-game winless run against hosts Histon, who sat in the Pitching In NPL Midlands Division relegation zone at the start of play.
But, after a goalless first half, it was the home side that went ahead thanks to an Oliver Brookes strike on 56 minutes.
However, Seymour-Shove – one of two debutants on the day alongside Jack Lynch – levelled on 74 minutes to clinch a draw for the Tulips and give Whaley his first point as manager.
The draw leaves Spalding down in 13th place in the table, with the play-offs currently looking a little out of reach.
Whaley said: “It was a frustrating day for us, but I wouldn’t say disappointing – that would be disrespectful to Histon, who have been much improved recently.
“I’m told that a big problem here this season has been that we’ve started games slowly. That was the case again here.
“Another problem has been individual errors, which led to the opening goal.
“We’ve often left ourselves something of an uphill task in games this season, but it was good to see Ben get a goal on his debut.
“I saw things I need to improve and things that we did really well that we can build on as the lads get to know me.”
On signing for Spalding, forward Seymour-Shove – who has been a prominent figure for St Ives Town in recent years – added: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign for Spalding and get everything sorted, I can’t wait to start working with Brett and the rest of the squad and be part of the project they have here.
“I had a few options but I feel this is the right move for me at the right time.”
Tulips: Duggan, Baker (Bucci 46), Cartwright, Price, Stainfield, Koroma, Starkie, Broccoli, Seymour-Shove, Macleod, Lynch. Not used: Stainsby, Flitton, Olivant, Opayinka.
Attendance: 309.
