WELCOME RETURN: Stefan Broccoli. Photo by JAKE WHITELEY

Saturday football: Spalding United exit FA Trophy on penalties, Holbeach United hit for four by Gresley

Spirited Spalding United are out of the FA Trophy following a penalty shoot-out defeat against higher-graded Tamworth on Saturday, while Holbeach United are still without a league win this season following a 4-0 home loss against Gresley Rovers.

Starting at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, the Tulips were beaten 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

After a goalless first half, Tamworth took the lead midway through the second period when Ryan Beswick’s corner was headed home by Shaq McDonald.

That’s how it stayed up until the closing stages, when Stefan Broccoli levelled from the penalty spot with just five minutes remaining.

However, Dam Bucciero and Broccoli saw their spot-kicks saved in the shoot-out, with Beswick, McDonald, Jack Thomas and Aaron Forde all netting to send the visitors through.

Meanwhile, Holbeach remain winless and bottom of the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North table after a heavy home beating against high-flying Gresley.

Steve Hart’s double put the visitors 2-0 up at the break, before Hart’s third and a Dan Munday penalty completed the scoring at Carter’s Park.

It’s a first defeat in the role for new boss Gary Frost, who enjoyed a 5-0 victory in his first game in charge at Blackstones on Wednesday night.

Pinchbeck United were without a fixture in the same division, but do travel to Anstey Nomads on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

More to follow.

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