Nice and three-sy for Tulips as Holbeach hold Wisbech

Spalding United took another big step towards securing an Evo-Stik League First Division South play-off place on Monday as they breezed past Lincoln United 3-0, while Holbeach United were held to a 0-0 draw at Wisbech Town in the UCL Premier Division.

Starting with the Tulips, three first-half goals did all of the damage at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field – and moved Pat Rayment’s side to within four points of second place.

Matt Nolan (15) opened the scoring with a left-footed cracker from just outside the box, before Dan Banister (25) half-volleyed number two to open his Spalding account.

Man-of-the-match Nathan Stainfield then powered home number three on the stroke of half time to keep the Tulips in fourth place and very much in the play-off reckoning.

Meanwhile, Holbeach managed to hold title-chasing hosts Wisbech to a goalless draw as they bounced back from Saturday’s 3-1 humbling at Northampton Sileby Rangers.

Both Gary King and Tom James saw red following a late clash in an otherwise low-key affair.

Leaders AFC Rushden and Diamonds are now nine points clear at the top after beating Long Buckby 3-1 – a result that ensures they’ll be promoted from the UCL next season.

More on Monday’s football to follow.

RESULTS (Monday, April 6)

Evo-Stik League

First Division South: Goole 4 Brigg Town 0; Gresley FC 2 Coalville Town 1; Loughborough Dynamo 2 Mickleover Sports 3; Market Drayton Town 2 Norton United 1; Newcastle Town 1 Leek Town 0; Rainworth MW 0 Carlton Town 0; Romulus 2 Kidsgrove Athletic 2; Spalding United 3 Lincoln United 0; Stafford Rangers 2 Chasetown 1; Stocksbridge PS 2 Sheffield FC 2; Tividale 1 Sutton Coldfield Town 1.

ChromaSport UCL

Premier Division: AFC Rushden & Diamonds 3 Long Buckby 1; Boston Town 1 Deeping Rangers 2; Desborough Town 1 Harborough Town 1; Eynesbury Rovers 5 Huntingdon Town 0; Newport Pagnell 3 Kempston Rovers 2; Northampton Sileby Rangers 3 Cogenhoe United 7; Sleaford Town 2 Harrowby United 1; Thurnby Nirvana 3 Oadby Town 1; Wisbech Town 0 Holbeach United 0.