Shepshed Dynamo 1 Spalding United 3
Spalding United put their five-game winless run to bed on Saturday with an impressive 3-1 win at Shepshed Dynamo.
In an exciting Pitching In NPL Midlands Division showdown at Butthole Lane, the Tulips took a 20th-minute lead through Jordan Macleod.
Hosts Shepshed sent a penalty onto the post early in the second period – and were made to pay for their mistake when Glenn Yala doubled Spalding’s advantage moments later (53).
Dynamo weren’t done, though, and set up a grandstand finish when Tamar Clayton (73) pulled a goal back.
But Macleod, who was back in the starting line-up after his goal off the bench the previous week, had other ideas and sealed a big three points for the boys in blue with his second goal of the day in added time.
For boss Gaby Zakuani, the winless run had seen Spalding exit the Emirates FA Cup, lose their unbeaten home record and slip out of the top ten in the league.
But he felt the victory was much-needed on a day when the Tulips executed his game plan to perfection.
“A massive and well needed win,” said the former Peterborough United defender. “Game plan executed.
“Every player put in a great shift, well deserved. Big thank you to the travelling fans.”
There was more good news for Spalding after the game, with left back James Hugo escaping without a serious head injury following a nasty first-half collision.
He did, however, require a few stitches for his troubles.
Tulips: Goff, Yala, Hugo (Mezine 29), Bucciero, Stainfield, Ward, Baker (Mucklin 82), Broccoli, Smith, Macleod, Flitton. Not used: Duggan.
Attendance: 150.
