The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Sutton Coldfield Town 0
Spalding United 2
Spalding United got their BetVictor Northern Premier South East League campaign off to a glorious start with an impressive victory at Coles Lane on Saturday.
A superb opening day performance of neat passing and attacking football on a 3G pitch proved too much for the home side and the Tulips’ margin of victory could have been greater if all of their chances had been taken.
But goals from new signings Jamie Jackson (a 19th minute penalty) and Ben Richards seven minutes into the second period were enough to secure maximum points for Matt Easton’s side.
The boss said: “We did as well as we could have expected really. We had quite a few players missing, but they just couldn’t handle Jamie Jackson going forward and it allowed us to get up the field.
“We put them under pressure really well and eventually ran out of steam with about 20 minutes to go, but thankfully the job was already done.
“The young lads who came on did well too and overall it was a great start to the new season.”
The Tulips were quickly out of the blocks from the first whistle. They dominated almost throughout, but particularly in the opening quarter against a side who featured in the play-offs in the Southern Central League last season.
Jackson was central in proceedings with some dazzling skilful bursts alongside Jenk Acar, with solid supporting play from the entire team.
In the opening minute a blistering left side break ended with Charlie Hart firing into the side netting.
Minutes later Taron Hare, advancing from his right back position, shot over the Lewis Gwilliams’ crossbar from 16 yards and then forced a save at the foot of a post.
Jackson, who was posing constant problems for the home defence, was then denied by the woodwork.
The all-important opening goal arrived on 19 minutes, however. Skipper Lewis Brownhill was unceremoniously brought down in the area and Jackson stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way.
Five minutes before the interval Gwilliams did well to keep out a blockbuster effort from Brownhill.
The home team produced their best attacking move of the half as it came to a close, with Dominic Dell breaking clear of the wrong-footed James Hugo and unleashing a shot which shaved the bar.
The second half began much the same as the first period – with the Tulips on the front foot. A corner was won and Kegan Everington’s kick into a packed goal area caused some panic.
The ball somehow found its way through for Richards – signed just days before the season opener – to tap it into the net to increase the lead.
The home side started to enjoy more of the play after goal number two and, mid-way through, forced three corners in succession before the Tulips cleared the decks.
Goalkeeper Michael Duggan, under-worked for once, comfortably dealt with a free kick, and as the game drew to a conclusion, he denied Stephen Palmer in a one-on-one situation.
The win is Spalding’s first in the league since February 16.
The Tulips are back action against Loughborough Dynamo on Tuesday night (7.45pm).
Tulips: Duggan, Hare, Hugo, Zuerner (Mason 67), Richards, Spencer, Hart (Ramsden 79), Everington, Jackson, Acar, Brownhill. Not used: Holliday, Smith.
MOTM: Jackson.
Attendance: 104.
